I’m back from a brief hiatus due to health issues and a family visit.
I’m not gonna lie, the internet/instagram/facebook/twitter/blog break was actually quite wonderful. The getting sick part sucked, but hopefully now I’m on the mend…fingers crossed!
I need to get my bloggy mojo back now, so I’m starting out with this boho/polkadot/leopard mix. Nothing like trying to do all the trends at once.
Go big or go boring.
I was gifted this lovely polkadot Karina dress.
I’m happy to promote a North American company where all the dresses are made in Brooklyn, USA by seamstresses earning a living wage. It is so rare to find clothing companies based in North America that are able to survive in this economy of disposable fast fashion.
It is the second Karina dress I own. The first one I won.
I like the fact that this dress has pockets and is a bit shorter than the rust dress.
I’m not as keen on the fabric which is polyester. The last dress was a micro fibre and lycra and wonderfully soft.
The good thing about polyester is that you can roll it into a ball in your suitcase and it’ll come out looking perfect. Plus it can be tossed into the washing machine without issue.
If only they could make polyester breathable.
Someone invent that and then give me 50% of the millions you will earn from it.
Having the idea is important yo.
For me this dress was a bit too “Mom-on-the-go” for me, so I added a bunch of accessories and made it my own.
Most of the items in my closet are already statement pieces, so working with a dress that wasn’t was great fun to style.
I had my Irresistible Me hair extensions in for these photos. They work well with the boho vibe.
Karina Dress Giveaway!
Karina has generously offered to sponsor a contest to win one of their dresses. Simply subscribe to their newsletter and leave a comment letting me know which dress you would choose if you won. Easy peezy! Maybe you’ll be the lucky one to win a new dress.
I was checking out their latest offerings for pre-Autumn and really think this chevron design is sweet.
The contest will be open till next Monday, August 31st.
Don’t forget to include your email address in your comment!
Good luck!
Linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday Throw Back Thursdays
You know I love Karina – the woman and her company and her clothes. She’s a treasure. And you look fantastic in this new dress, made more Suzanne-ish with your skills. Missed you! xox
I loved the karina dress – both are lovely – especially because of the pockets! It’s true, the fabric is non breathable, but to a trip there’s nothing better to put in a suitcase, unpack at destination and still look good 🙂 you are also right, good that the seamstresses in Brooklyn are making a living there – cause so many clothes come from other countries nowadays. You look very beautiful and the extensions are great and I looooved the kimono? Wrap? Long shawl? I simply loved it! If possible, could you tell where it is from? I tried to find, and couldn’t. I really hope your health is better now, and you are right – some time out of the web is really good! Then we can see how many things we can do at home, etc! Bisous!
DenisesPlanet.com
Hi Denise : )
The Kimono was from this post…
http://suzannecarillo.com/altered-kimono/
I actually altered it to make it resemble the one I liked more but that was too expensive for my pocketbook.
I wondered where you had disappeared to my beautiful friend. Hopefully the health badness is all straightened out. You know I love this outfit…it has all of my favorite things…print mix, boho, a kimono, leopard booties. You totally took that dress and owned it!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Polka dots dress is wonderful, I love this vintage and boho style, so feminine. I like your declaration of love for well-made clothes, high quality. The clothes made in countries with no labor rights is a serious problem, and we are all somewhat guilty. Thank you for your action. I love the look and love the great scarf. Your hair extensions are really nice. I hope your health is fully recovered.
Thanks Josep-maria : ) I am on the mend finally I believe.
Oh, I love the Karina dresses. Although they are both wonderful–I would love to own the rust colored dress. It’s so unique and lovely! I love the way you styled it with the boho fringe topper. Awesome look!!!
Glad to see you back! Hope you will feel your wonderful self very soon – you sure look your wonderful self. You created a beautiful and unique ensemble with the kimono/poncho and bright accessories. The leo print booties are unexpected and spot on! xxx
YOU! This look is so very you Suzanne! Gorgeous! Seriously…zero mom on the go vibe here….not that there’s anything wrong with mom on the go looks….just not the look for you.
Did you make the velvet bracelet? I love all the jewelry and that one really sings!
How kind of you to notice Sue! Yes I made that cuff with vintage pieces I’ve collected. I meant to sell it, but like so many of the pieces I’ve created, don’t want to part with it now.
It is also an understated sexy dress as it is very figure flattering. I love a dress which is like a blanc canvas. You can change it so many times with accessories. Which you have a lot of.
Glad you are back in the game dear.
Greetje
Suzanne, you could make an old dish rag look good. These are very pretty dresses and I love how you’ve given them that special Suzanne touch.
I know what you mean about unplugging from social media/blogging. I just returned today from a several month break from my blog due to a move. The break allowed me to return with a newfound energy, which is always a nice feeling. Glad to hear you’re on the mend.
Really like your unique sense of style. Both dresses are lovely, with one of my favorite silhouettes, and those leopard booties are fab!
http://marymurnane.com
Glad to see you back! A little break is sometimes good, but health issues of course not… I find a ‘plain’ dress is a good onvestment because you can style it in different ways and it looks like a new dress every time. But yhen again I live in basics…
I love your kimono!
I probably would pick the Megan dress in wine with the tan dots.
Hey Carillo in Karina,
Love the breeziness of this shoot…very inspiring for Autumn…both dresses would probably work in all seasons (I m th of a mild winter:).I think I would like to give the rusty red number a try on the Indian summer (red)carpet. Great to have you back!
I am glad you are feeling better! Sometimes the break from social media is nice, though it was a bummer it was for medical related reasons.
Yes, you are back, with a vengeance Love the hair! all love the leo- kimono- ALL THE TRENDS AT ONCE- THEME. gorgeous in all! Please take it easy.. slowly back to the blogosphere.
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Love the Leo, kimono, the booties, ALL THE TRENDS AT ONCE thing!
LOVE your Hair. I love that Karina is US made!
Take it easy love.
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Twinsie hat, top photo!
Both the dresses look very cute on you.
If I won, I’d choose the Josie in Aqua Paisley. Except that they don’t indicate the fabrication.
CANNOT tolerate the polyester, as we’ve discussed previously.
It’s an issue that they don’t give the fiber. I know someone so allergic to polyester that she’ll faint if she wears it! True story!
Hope you are on the road to recovery. xxox
Welcome back! Love the polka dot dress and the way you wear it:)
Welcome back my friend! Been thinking about you and hope that your health is on the mend. I see no mom on the go with this dress (but it’s probably because I just love polka dots). I love all the fun mix of patterns – they all work so well together!
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Hey lady! You WON! : ) Your number was generated at Random.org…lucky #19!
I will contact Karina and let them know you’re the winner.
Congrats! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer gal : )
I am subscribed to their newsletter – mutterbumser@yahoo.com. I like the audrey, but I would give any beautiful dress to my amazing friend Amanda and I’d love for her to choose =)
Welcome back, gorgeous! Blogland’s a much duller place without you.
Hope you’re feeling better ‘cos you’re looking fine! I never thought I’d ever get excited about a wrap dress but man, you’ve styled those to perfection. Loving the kimono and fringed bag, the heaps of jewellery and those killer leopard boots.
The first world’s love of fast fashion, devoured with no regard for the people who live & work in appalling conditions, repulses me. I’d rather go naked than dress in clothes made in such a way.
xxxx
Now you just gotta love a dress with pockets and polka dots en plus (I have a weakness for polka dots, I admit)! You’ve given this your own special touch and in no way, shape or form look ‘Mom on the go’. Well, maybe, if she’s a stylish, hip chick, kind of Mom on the go.
So nice to see you back! I do agree that a break from all social media is probably welcome every once in a while but it’s too bad you had to be ill to be able to take one.
The shape of the Karina dresses is very flattering on you, especially the red one. It’s unfortunate about the fabric – polyester in the summer is not comfortable. Yes, where are the geniuses who should be working on stuff like breathable polyester that feels like cotton? I love your fringe-trimmed drapey shawl-thing 😉
Welcome back Suzanne, good to know you’re feeling better. I can imagine that the break from social media can be good once in a while. Oh, how I love your polka dot dress, looks beautiful on you. Love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
I would describe your style as classic with a boho twist, so this outfit seems to really hit that vibe! I love the shape of the polka dot dress and with the kimono it’s fabulous! I hope you continue to feel better and I’m looking forward to more blogging mojo! xoxo
What a lovely dress and kimono pairing! I like this dress here:
http://www.karinadresses.com/collections/spring-2015/products/peggy
My e-mail address is rachel.garay@me.com
Welcome back! Love your style and thank you so much for the giveaway!
Take care and keep in touch!
Please stop by every Wednesday for Color and Grace Fashion link up! 🙂
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
A simple dress is a great base for layering and you’ve added personality to it. Looks like you had fun doing so. If I won the contest I’d choose the Audrey in grey plaid.
The hardest part of my Summer was your and Two Birds’ absence. You guys always fill my life with joy and I’ve missed that. Welcome back. BTW, why don’t more dresses have pockets?!
Gorgeous, Suzanne. I love how you’ve thrown it all together and made it fabulous. Polka-dots and leopard print. Fringe and bling. Mmm.
And there’s nothing I love more than ethically-made clothing from our own continent. What a novelty, it’s sad to say, especially for clothing that is reasonably priced as well. And your extensions are true luxury.
I hope you feel better soon. Bed rest and man slaves for you, young lady! Heh.
So glad to see you back, looking as gorgeous as ever. Hope you’re feeling 100% soon.
I hope everyone in your family is feeling better! It’s always nice to have a blog break. Hopefully your next break is because you’re doing something fun and not because you’re sick. Super cute outfit! I love the mixed prints! You are totally rocking this bold look!
http://elementsofellis.com/
For not feeling well, you certainly have your groove on. The accessories make that dress, uhuh. And shall we talk about insane shoes…
Rad giveaway! Love both dresses and the boho chic look you created with the blue one. The kimono is perfect!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
I know we have the same hat : ) we both have such FAB taste!
I admire the creative eye you brought to this dress. I probably would have gone in a retro direction and paired it with a strand of pearls, cardigan, and pumps. This look is so inspired with the fringed accessories and printed booties. It has a funky, eclectic vibe that you’ve totally made your own. I’ll have to try layering my kimonos over my dresses, even if both pieces are printed. You’ve shown me it can be done! And you know I’m never one to shy away from the whole “more is more” thing.
I’m pleased to see Karina offers XXL, so I can get in on the action! I am in love with the dusky pastels in this dress:
http://www.karinadresses.com/collections/xtra-large/products/nora-1
I totally need it, right?
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
I love the color of the second dress! It’s so perfect for fall, but not too dark for transitioning into it either! I love that the company pays fair wages – it’s a step up from American Apparel since it isn’t sexualized!
Angelina Is | Bloglovin’
You must be good at putting the extensions in, working on mastering that art. Love the dress and accessores, I have a fair amount of Karina dresses, looking great i nyours
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegnantlydressedandstylish.com
I love Karina dresses, and how nice they look on every girl I see!
Also love your boho-chic outfit, and your beautiful hairstyle!
My favorite dress is ‘nora’ (marsala royal floral), which fabulously print caught my eye!. I don’t know if they do international shipping, but anyway I like those dresses!
besos
mrsallnut@gmail.com
I love this dress:http://www.karinadresses.com/products/megan-3-4-sleeve-2
I have subscribed and my email is perezashley60@hotmail.com