Hello again finally! We decided to spend the last leg of our time off with friends in NYC this weekend. I’m a little nervous to return to Boston as I had been getting daily disgruntled texts from friends about snow snow and more snow ever since we left town. We’ve accepted our car’s icy buried fate, but have fingers crossed for no frozen pipes or collapsed roof!
Last summer I got lots of requests for coverup and swim suggestions but rarely made it to the water (and when I did, resorted to college spring break garb that is well past its prime). So although beach/pool wear is probably the last thing on your minds now, I figured posting ideas earlier is better than never! And I actually think this particular dress can be re-styled with tights, booties and either a vest or sweater for winter.
I randomly came across Swell which was a beachwear jackpot for my last-minute packing scramble. They have cute items from a range of brands, and also their own line which is pretty affordable and mostly made in the USA. What sealed the deal for my first order was free 2-day express shipping + returns for orders over $99 (and free standard shipping for orders over $39). I had two keepers (also got this off-shoulder dress which I’ll upload pics of tomorrow) that worked nicely for transitioning from pool/beachside to resort restaurants.
I had wondered how winter vacationers go from negative 2 to 80 degree weather, and noticed fellow passengers simply changing on the plane. I followed suit and chose this long sleeve chiffon-y paisley dress that is very lightweight and comfy. It’s not petite sizing so the sleeves were about an inch longer than I typically wear em. I actually think the fit of a Small was perfectly fine off the rack for a casual dress, similar to an H&M; sz 4. Since I am a little nit-picky, as a temporary fix, I used a safety pin on each side of the interior shoulder seams to take in about 1″, as shown below:
This effectively raised the sleeve length and the hemline a tad too. It created little gathered pleats visible from the outside which weren’t too conspicuous due to the dark print. The dress is fully lined in the torso and slightly sheer in the flowy sleeves. Material is poly which felt lightweight, traveled really well and didn’t wrinkle on me. Care tags say hand wash cold and line dry, with dry cleaning as a suggested alternative (no thanks for me…not for beach wear!).
Whenever we were snapping blog photos, kind passersby would insist on helping us take a photo together. We figured by the end of the trip we’d have a plethora of good shots, but no such luck! PS – I just realized the blurry print on Nick’s swim trunks looks like…erm, male genitalia, but they’re actually cute little lobsters, I swear! I picked them up (Sperry sold at Nordstrom) to replace his tattered pair and they were a hit.
Adorable dress, perfect design and print for a summer days.
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Very cute dress but I'm more drawn to your luggage! 😛
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
The lobster print…HAHA! Really cute dress. Thank you for the sizing info. It's so helpful!
http://lizzieinlace.blogspot.com
Good to know about Bric's! I only discovered them this year but have been very happy with this one bag so far, and am happy to know that it's survived serious wear from you. Yes we made it back to Boston but unfortunately our home suffered a bit of damage from the accumulated ice and snow…alas, such is life in new england.
I LOVE the BR glasses and wear them more than my Chanels and Pradas. Recently I actually tried on a large variety of designer sunglasses as I was interested in a new pair for my collection, but most ended up resting on my cheeks instead of sitting on my nose bridge. So it was back to the BRs for their good fit. Since everyone's face and nose shape is different, it may or may not work for you but I've been happy with them.
Hi Helena! Lulus has such cute stuff. Thank you for sharing from the other side of the world : )
Hi Mariel! Yes, good eye! You live in such a beautiful country.
Hi LeShawna – oh no! What a bummer as I really like that bag. I will try to ask again and see if they have a different response.
Ah, thank you but you won't really see any more pics of hair down after these initial arrival shots! I struggle with the same frizzy battle and the product I brought along was of no use. I ask for long layers at the hair salon and have them thin out everything from the underside.
I've had the tote for a while…funny as Nick got it for me as a gift years ago and I didn't love it and even returned it! Later on I kept thinking about the style and have found it to be very easy to use on a day-to-day basis : )
very cute vacation dress! i thought the lobsters looked like wrenches but that wouldn't make any sense on board shorts. ha!
love, liz
http://www.stylewich.com
(have to re post because something got messed up…)
I knew they were lobsters! Just wanted to say that I have a BRICS tote that I take to work every day and and maltreat- overstuff, squish into a locking cabinet, throw around…..and it wears so well, it always looks new, stays dry inside in bad weather; the leather handles and metal parts look new too.
Checked here to see if you survived a return to Boston….but no post, so good luck….last week was a good week to not be there…
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How do the Banana Republic sunglasses fit? I have a small face and always have a difficult time finding sunglasses that don't look HUGE on me! I've had some success with BR sunglasses in the past and those are cute. I was just wondering before I purchase them.
Really nice choice. This gives me an idea of what to wear when I travel to Miami next month. Thanks!
I love this, Jean! The dress is so cute on you and I love that it sort of matches your Goyard. : ) I'm going to the Bahamas for a friend's bachelorette this year… can't WAIT to get some sun!
jessydust.com
oh wow love it! perfect thing for a beach day. must have it. thanks for inspiring me as usual! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
You are so chic! I want your suitcase!
<3
Hi!
I like your dress, is cute!
As you I am "petite" too, so I am always looking for clothes and shoes that fit me.
Today I came across this web site that as beautiful clothes X-Small and shoes from 5 up!!!!
AND it has affordable prices, especially on Sale!
So I came here to give you this tip!
The site is:
http://www.lulus.com/
Hope you like it!
kisses from Portugal!
that's a pretty dress Jean!
xoxo,
Tiffany
Beautiful dress!!!
http://chloesfashionlogbook.blogspot.be
That cover up is so cute! Which is perfect for me because I live in the Dominican Republic. So the website is great for me. You were in Punta Cana right? I recognice that hotel. I'm a new fan of your blog. I love it!
Mariel in Santo Domingo
So cute! I'm so jealous of your vacation, it looked amazing!! giggling at Nick's shorts, I didn't notice either!
xoxo
Karen in London
http://kensingtonwest.me.uk
Lovely photos! I cannot wait for warmth and wish I could escape the freezing temps… Also, thanks you for the review!
Congratulations to making it into RewardStyle Top 25 Publishers! You so deserve it
happymedley.blogspot.com
Such an elegant outfit <3
XoXo One Stiletto At A Time
LOL! I didn't even notice the print on Nick's shorts until you pointed it out. That's too funny!
Hi,
You mentioned that Sole Society may restock the Cassidy in March. According to them and their FAQ, they don't have plans to restock it. Do you know if that;s their standard response or what?
Thanks!
Beautiful dress and lovely style!
xxx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
That's hilarious about kind strangers helping take a photo – but you just end up with blurry shots. Happens to me all the time! I end up asking a million strangers for help!
Get a SELFIE STICK!
http://goo.gl/rwaFqI
Beautiful dress! And the lobster print comment made me almost spit out my yogurt. LOL!
Easy, Frugal Style
How can you always wear such nice dresses?
Loving your style so much! <3
xx
Helô, from Vestido do dia
Your comments are so funny at the end! lol. I absolutely love your paisley dress, such a great transitional piece that can easily be worn as a beach cover up. I adore the carry-on luggage design with its nautical look. Hope you're enjoying your time in NY!! I'm not sure if the current weather with the minus degree windchill is any much better than Boston right now though!
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Your dress is really nice!
I just LOL'ed at the shorts print comment. Hilarious!
Very cute dress/cover up 🙂
The dress is very cute!
xo
http://martaskripnik.blogspot.com
Love the print of dress!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com
that is a darling tunic dress and it looks great on you!
xo,
Merrie K.
http://www.PetiteCareerGirl.com
Love the chic flare sleeves design of the dress and the paisley prints are very pretty too! This makes such a great holiday outfit!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Your hair always looks so polished! On vacation mine always turns into a dry frizzy mess, haha. Would you mind telling me what you ask for at the hair salon?
Ah, I can't wait for warmer weather. And that last photo/caption, so funny!
LOL at the little lobsters! This dress/cover-up is so lovely!
Mandy | mandydacandy
Beautiful dress!! You look fab.
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Lol – too funny about the lobster print – thanks for clearing that up, he he! We got the same blurry pics when hubby was trying to take blog pics for me on our last vacation – its sweet of people to offer but also awkward if you're in a hurry to get a quick outfit shot LOL!
Love the goyard tote – is it a new purchase?
MY BLOG: ♥♥♥ Ella Pretty ♥♥♥
Beautiful dress! Your luggage is cute too:P
Shall We Sasa