Summer Style with Caress: Playful Prints

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DIY floral maxi skirt, H&M; kids organic cotton striped tank (from 2011, but still avail. in stores)

Ann Taylor starfish necklace c/o and sandals (old)

Today’s post is sponsored by Caress, in celebration of the launch of Caress Tempting Whisper Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash and their newest Fabulista (spokesperson) La La Anthony. La La Anthony will be posting fashion trends and beauty tips on Caress’ Facebook page throughout the year, and fans can enter to win a variety of prizes by showing how they live the Fabulista life every day. The body wash’s long lasting scent was inspired by the world of fine fragrance and created by top experts at fragrance house, Givaudan.

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This outfit is my interpretation of one of La La’s summer style tips, and also inspired by the fragrances of white peony and red plum in Caress’ newest body wash.

“Playful prints – Fashion and style should be playful, and nothing is more mesmerizing and fun than a wardrobe with prints to mix and match. Trying contrasting colors, prints and layers or turn it up a notch with metallic and floral patterns. If you are unsure about a look, stay within color families – that way clashing patterns look edgy and avant-garde.”
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The bottom half of this outfit is made of fabric from Scotland – my only souvenir from the trip. I wasn’t able to find apparel that fit, so brought home the next best thing! The vibrant all-over poppy pattern is easy to pair with solids, but I wore it here with my most comfy striped tank (a longtime closet staple, and a worthy buy for just $5).

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To make this skirt, I started with my old beginners’ skirt tutorial (skipped the pockets) again, which basically entails sewing together two simple rectangular pieces of fabric and adding an elastic waistband. Like last time, I modified it to have elastic only in the back of the waistband, and used SPG’s smooth waistband skirt tutorial for the front half. Since it’s difficult to find maxi dresses that fit well both in the waist and length, I highly recommend any beginner sewers to try making your own.
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Disclose: This was a sponsored post. Please visit Facebook.com/Caress for more information.
When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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47 Comments

  1. Johanna Breakey wrote:

    can you share the skirt pattern?

    Posted 3.20.17 Reply
  2. TRUSTprice - Software Download wrote:

    Loved the style. I loved how you combined those outfits.

    Posted 8.23.13 Reply
  3. Iveta wrote:

    this is interesting, I love it. 🙂

    Posted 7.31.13 Reply
  4. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    This is such a beautiful print! It has an almost hand-drawn quality to it 🙂

    Posted 7.31.13 Reply
  5. edward erick wrote:

    I share with you some interesting. Today marks the first day of Wimbledon, with tennis greats including Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all slated to hit Centre Court. And even if you can’t jet over to London to witness this time-honored athletic event in person, you can certainly take cues from the sport’s signature style. Tennis-inspired fashion’s having a bigger moment than ever right now, with labels like Carven and Jil Sander offering up preppy polo dresses and feminine pleated skirts aplenty. Click through to shop 15 ultra-wearable tennis dresses sure to turn heads—whether you’re perched in the stands at a summertime match or just strolling the city streets. We wouldn’t be surprised to spot one on Maria S. herself—or Margot Tenenbaum, for that matter.
    Gypsy Dharma

    Posted 7.30.13 Reply
  6. Chrissy wrote:

    Love it! When you modified the elastic portion of the waistband, how did you figure out the length of the elastic needed?

    Posted 7.29.13 Reply
  7. Julie L wrote:

    OMG!!! I super love your outfit. Love the top and skirt. Love the color and print of your skirt. Great choice indeed!!

    Posted 7.29.13 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    Frankly, the product sponsorship for a supermarket body wash in this post seems pretty out-of-place and really turns me off.

    Posted 7.26.13 Reply
  9. Cillamor wrote:

    I love your stories, your pictures and over all hearing about your life. Can you please let us know where we can purchase that filipino clutch. You are so inspiring keep up the good work, best of luck to you! xoxo

    Posted 7.26.13 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    Please stay the way you are and don't make sponsored posts. Don't change;)

    Posted 7.26.13 Reply
  11. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Anon & Georgette – I decided to participate with this post because of Caress' campaign focus on summer style. I value your feedback as a reader, and credibility in posts is important to me. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note, and for sharing your opinion respectfully.

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  12. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks! It's "Too Faced" Honey bear…very creamy formula.

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  13. ....... wrote:

    I love the caress body wash so much this floral scent looks lovely too. great outfit really love how you paired the stripes with the floral and they actually look like they work well together! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  14. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Kat, it's from the Philippines but I'll keep my eyes peeled for similar in US stores!

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you! It is poly, but very lightweight so it flows. The elastic is visible the back…(do you mean the scrunching? because it does scrunch in the back just like here https://www.extrapetite.com/2013/06/sewing-with-lining-diy-convertible-fit.html )

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    It was a gift from my bf's mom, from the Philippines : )

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  17. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Yep! By Dennisport – very nice and relaxing there.

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  18. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – it's from "edinburgh fabrics"

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  19. Georgette wrote:

    I'll agree with anonymous… free swag is free swag, of course, but this just seems a reach…

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the colorful maxi skirt, it looks so breezy summery and the drape is super-flattering on you, nice job! (And I admire you actually getting it done soon after vacation rather than socking it away in a closet like I would!)

    An honest opinion, though — the sponsored posts aren't doing your credibility any favours. "Caress Tempting Whisper Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash"? Really? Obviously it's yours to leverage as you wish, but I've always thought your frank sincerity is what really makes your blog shine. The commercial content feels unnaturally tacked-on. (I'm not trying to tell you what to do, just respectfully offering some reader perspective.)

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  21. GEMMA wrote:

    What a lovely post! I really like this outfit on you. You are incredible:)

    Come say HI on my blog for more Ibiza outfit posts: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com

    Love, Gemma

    Posted 7.25.13 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    floral and stripes are weird together. 🙁

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    cute skirt! and i like the clutch too. very bottega veneta-esque.

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  24. Jen Lavenders wrote:

    You are stunning. I love the skirt. It makes you look so elegant and tall!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  25. Anonymous wrote:

    I've always loved your lipstick color…what color & brand do you use?

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  26. Elle wrote:

    beautiful photography! love your outfit too!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    Flowers and stripes? Sorry, they don't work together. As more fashionistas wear this combination, the more it is copied and considered chic and it just isn't.

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  28. Kat wrote:

    Love the clutch. Where's it from and is it still available? Thanks

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  29. Purple Ivy wrote:

    Very much in love with this look. The floral skirt is absolutely stunninga nd kudos to you for making that. Glad I came upon your blog as you have excellent style. Following and looknforward to reading your future posts.

    xoxo
    Ivy
    http://www.purrpleivy.com/

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  30. Irene wrote:

    Jean! You always find the BEST places for your blog pics — and you look stunning!

    I LOVE the summery prints on you – so fresh and fun. I love florals and never thought about pairing with stripes. So lovely. And your pretty red nails are tempting me away from my standard pink summer nail. 🙂

    I should have known you would have created the beautiful skirt yourself — the fabric is so airy and light and you did a wonderful job putting it together. Let me know when you start your own clothing line. I'll be first in line!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    Love love love! May I ask what is the fabric made of (polyester?) Also how do you hide the elastic in the back so it's not so visible? You should have your own etsy store!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  32. Sandy a la Mode wrote:

    what a gorgeous way to pattern mix!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  33. Shira wrote:

    I'm seriously obsessed with the skirt and the print mixing! Also, the photography is gorgeous!

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  34. tahitian88 wrote:

    Love it all, especially the clutch! Where is it from?

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  35. Charlotte wrote:

    Oh god I love this outfit!! The striped sweater matches perfectly your floral skirt !

    fashionfixeshearts.blogspot.com

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  36. TaraMixandMatch wrote:

    Awesome that your made that skirt…perfection!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  37. MizzJ wrote:

    Wow, kudos to you Jean for making such a gorgeous skirt!

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  38. Van Nguyen wrote:

    I'm more in love with your style now. Great fabric choice, and you've sewn the maxi skirt beautifully. I love the photography. Nick did a great job capturing your beauty and the beach.

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  39. Le monde des petites wrote:

    Nice skirt et nice pics! Love it!
    Jul from Le monde des petites
    http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/LeMondeDesPetites

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  40. swanprincess wrote:

    I echoed Jessy saying… Make and sell your maxi skirt! Love it! Cute, cute:D

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  41. Christy C wrote:

    Jean, this is such a lovely outfit. I absolutely adore that skirt, the floral pattern is beautiful. Love the backdrop too!
    Christy
    Sunnywithasideof…

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  42. Jessy wrote:

    I love love the skirt! You did a great job, Jean! Have you considered selling your creations? : ) On another note, I never thought of pairing stripes & floral. I imagined it to be quite "busy", but your outfit proves otherwise. Saving this for inspiration. : )

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  43. Petite Hues wrote:

    Love the maxi skirt and the backdrop. Were these taken in Cape Cod?

    Posted 7.23.13 Reply
  44. Yuen Lim wrote:

    I love that skirt! It's so pretty and I like how you paired it with the striped top!

    Posted 7.23.13 Reply
  45. Angie | Pandaphilia.com wrote:

    this maxi makes you look so tall! the shape is spot-on and you look at least 5'6" in the 3rd to last photo

    Posted 7.23.13 Reply
  46. Suzie Q wrote:

    That is so awesome and clever that you got the fabric as a Scotland souvenir and made a beautiful skirt out of it! The backdrop is perfect for this outfit shoot =) I agree, mixing prints is always fun, and this outfit exemplifies that well =)

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 7.23.13 Reply
  47. Heyitzme wrote:

    Perfect summer outfit! I LOVE the skirt and its print design and how you pair it with stripe tee. It's just so lovely!! May I know where you get the fabric for the skirt?

    Posted 7.23.13 Reply

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