So, I went shopping…
Now that I’ve edited my wardrobe so that it mainly contains pieces that I actually like and wear, it’s easier to see what I need to add to fill the gaps. And by gaps I mean clothes that I really need, or that would add interest to my small wardrobe (which mainly consists of basics).
And what I think I need at the moment is a few more maxi dresses to get me through the summer. And what my wardrobe needs is an injection of colour.
Lucky for me, this wrap dress manages to to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.
And it has long sleeves! I love that!
Let’s make one thing clear: this has nothing to do with modesty. In fact, I hate the whole idea of ‘modest dressing’. I find it’s demeaning and discriminating against women. It defines women as sex objects, just as much as the sexy bimbo look does (you know what that is, I’m sure). I hate the idea so much that a few years ago when someone suggested a collaboration on ‘modest style’, I totally lost it and let them know in no uncertain terms what I thought of this concept…
No, the reason I like to wear trousers, maxi dresses, and long(ish) sleeves in summer is simple: I hate sun screen, so I need to cover up to protect my paler-than-pale skin.
My style has always been based on pragmatism: I dress for real life. And while personal style plays a huge role in the way we dress, it is always secondary to the physical reality of our surroundings, i.e. weather. And since we cannot control weather, style must adapt to the climate we live in. After all, that’s the ultimate purpose of clothes: to protect us from the elements…
Of course, there are other factors that limit personal style: body shape and size, what’s available in stores etc. Often the clothes I like (and the majority of clothes available in stores) would not work for me. And I’m not talking about lifestyle or weather here: they’re simply made for someone a head (or two) taller and a whole lot slimmer than me… Which is infuriating, by the way, but totally beside the point here.
Personal style is always a compromise: it’s not simply wearing what we like. It’s wearing what fits us, suits us, and serves the purpose (= keeping us warm or cool, depending on the season). If it also pleases us aesthetically, we’ve hit the jackpot. And that doesn’t happen too often, at least in my reality. More often than not, I really struggle to find anything that I like (or that fits me, suits me etc). So, when I do find something I really like (and that fits me, suits me etc), I usually get it, whatever it costs. And trust me, I don’t buy clothes nearly as often as I’d like. Which is probably good, from the financial point of view…
Anyway… Given everything I’ve said here, is this the perfect dress? Of course not. There is no such thing. For starters, it wrinkles quite easily. I love it, but it will probably end up just hanging in my wardrobe for ages after I wash it because I hate ironing…
Outfit details:
dress: Marimekko (Limited Edition) / bag: Marc Jacobs / sandals: Camper / sunglasses: Nina Ricci
What are you planning to add to your wardrobe this summer?
Tiina
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I
That vibrant dress looks amazing on you. You prove that we shouldn’t shy away from colour. Very inspiring summer styling for sure.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
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Thanks! I loved the pattern and loved the colour scheme, and colour is definitely what my wardrobe needs.
Wow, what a beautiful dress! I love the colour. You look stunning!
Emma XXX
http://www.style-splash.com
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Thanks, Emma!
What a lovely dress! And it looks great on you. The color suits you. Glad you found it. Arlene from NJ
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Thanks, Arlene! I’m glad I found it, too. Especially since it was the only one in my size left in the entire city…
Looking great red looks good on you. It’s the business when you find what you want, long sleeves, so hard to find at the moment.
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Thanks, Flora. I used to wear red quite a lot when I was younger, but then I got bored with it; it seemed somehow too ‘easy’. I thought I should try other (more challenging) colours. Crazy, really, as I always get a lot of compliments whenever I wear something red (or pink or orange).
This dress looks absolutely Fabulous, love its color, love its shape and love the way it moves! and it fits you nicely too which is something Very Important!. Sorry it’s a wrinkable cloth, sigh!
Obviously, I have to agree that the weather is a primary factor when dressing up (or should be if you don’t want to freeze yourself or faint on the melting asphalt!). And the lack of availability of clothes for any shape is something that get me so angry!, it looks like if fashion industry didn’t want fat/old people’s money. Everything is even more difficult if your taste is not conventional.
I also hate the idea of ‘modest dressing’!
Glad that you got this dress, despite the ironing!, it’s really beatiful.
besos
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Thanks, Monica! I really fell for this dress, big time. And it reminds me that I should opt for colour more often. I can get a bit lost in my ‘navy and white stripes uniform’ look at times…
I definitely have a bone to pick with the fashion industry. I feel the need to remind designers that the majority of their potential customers are not model thin (or tall) but real women with all sorts of body hangouts and issues. Yet, they still deserve to look their best. And, more importantly, they’d be more than happy to spend a lot of money to look their best, yet most designers choose to ignore that…
I had to click on your post as I LOVE LOVE your dress on you. The colors are striking and I love the wrap style. I use Wrinkle Releaser spray on some things if I don’t feel like ironing. It does the trick!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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Thanks, Jessica.
I’ve never heard of Wrinkle Releaser spray, but that sounds interesting. I usually just hang the dress in the bathroom while I take a shower and let the hot steam take care of the wrinkles.
That’s a terrific dress on you! Thanks for joining our link up!
xo,
Kellyann
http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
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Thanks, Kellyann!
Maxi dresses are perfect for summer! And I love the pattern of this dress you’re wearing. Thanks for joining our linkup today!
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Thanks, Laura. I love maxi dresses, too. They’re just so practical in summer.
This looks fantastic on you!
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
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Thanks, Suzanne!
Oh my, love the dress. And the print is amazing. The color and pattern remind me of 60s mod. Work of art! I hate to iron too. One trick I use is spraying Downy Wrinkle Release on clothes a little while before I need to wear them. And you can also make your own. It’s Downy, mixed with water and a little alcohol. There are recipes on line. Works really well.
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Thanks, Theresa.
The print (called ‘appelsiini’, by Maija Isola) is actually from the 50’s, and has been reproduced many times and in many versions over the years (Marimekko is known for recycling their retro prints). I think I have a scarf with the same pattern (but different colours) from a few year’s back. But the style of the dress is so 60’s. That’s probably what attracted me to the dress in the first place; the retro style. I love 60’s fashion…
Now that is a great Summer dress, both style and colour, pity about the wrinkling of the fabric. I totally agree about grabbing something you like and fits you when you find it.
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Thanks, Jill. The colours are great, aren’t they? I just had to have it…
Your points are soooo true!! I’m short waistred with long legs and a big behind..finding clothes I love to wear that also fit is always a challenge! And good for you covering up to protect yourself from the sun!!
Thanks for linking with us!
Shelly | The Queen in Between
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I know exactly what you mean… Well, I’m long-waisted, with short legs, and a big behind. Not exactly the type designers have in mind when they create their collections.
OMG that dress is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!! Such stunning colours. It really does look incredible on you!
By the way, I laughed when you said it’ll probably hang in your wardrobe for ages because you hate iron!! I am exactly the same. I’ve got a few dresses that I hardly ever wear for the very same reason LOL!!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
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Thanks, Suzy.
Yes, ironing… I’m not entirely sure where my iron is, to be honest. And who can bear ironing on a hot day? Really, in this day and age, we should be able to find drip-and-dry clothes (made from natural fibres), don’t you think?
I love the bright colours on this dress – so good for summer! And while I do wear sunscreen often I like long sleeved pieces like this as they offer a little extra sun protection! They are a smart idea when out in the summer heat in Brisbane!
Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp 🙂 I just posted this week’s linkup, I’d love you to join again! 🙂
Hope that you had a lovely weekend 🙂 We spent most of ours at home, just relaxing!
http://awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com
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Thanks, Mica!
I find it always challenging to decide what to wear on a hot day. I’ve come to the conclusion that maxi dresses are the best option, for maxim sun protection and comfort.
Of course, now the weather here has turned; it’s been quite a bit cooler and rainy (which means new and different styling challenges).
I love this dress on you Tiina, it’s not only a brilliant style but fabulous colour too. Jacqui Mummabstylish
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Thanks, Jacqui!