When I thrift I keep an open mind. The fact that I now have my own Etsy store means gives me more freedom to experiment.
This dress is an experiment for me.
Challenge Your Style Try Something New
The colours are cold, it has an asymmetrical hemline, the dress is a bit on the short side and it requires Spanx. You may remember my previous fight with Spanx.
I thought no way would I wear this.
Then I took some photos and kind of liked it.
It has a ruffle sleeve and neckline that is reminiscent of the groovy 60’s. It is wonderfully comfortable.
I may keep this around till summer and see if I still enjoy it.
Experimenting with fashion and style is what I consider grown up play time. Time to imagine, create and uncover new ways of expressing yourself.
Do you ever try to switch up your style just for the fun of it? I highly recommend it.
Linking up with Visible Monday.
Gorgeous way to shake things up – this dress looks made for you. Love the hemline, and of course you have fab shoes to finish the look. “She fought the Spanx,” a noble tribute. xox
Ha ha! I fought the Spanx and I won! (no more full body Spanx for me)
This may actually be one of my favourite dresses on you! Love the colours and the shape is just made for your figure!
I think the pattern is great camouflage. It covers the food baby.
The colors in this print really pop with vibrancy!! The styling is very flattering to those feminine curves of yours. I vote that this one should stay with you through summer so you can test it’s street cred. 🙂
Ha! Love that idea ; P
That’s fun! It’s a very summery, sort of look–when you want to be outdoors but you still want to be dressed up and lookin’ good! I like the sleeves a lot, I’ve had one or two dresses with similar sleeves and I just think they’re fun!
The sleeves are fun. I don’t mind the fullness when they are 3/4 length. I don’t have to worry about them when I’m washing my hands (germaphobe that I am).
LOVE that dress, the colors are so beautiful! Love the ruffles , too. A perfect dress to usher in Spring!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Now if Spring would just hurry up and take the hint!
The sleeves are wonderful and colours look fantastic on you. What do you mean, too short?
I don’t think I’d fancy wearing anything that required shape wear although I’ve just bought my first new bra in 11 years and I’m amazed at how comfy it is. xxx
Oh how I envy your ability to go braless. In another life perhaps ; P
I agree, you have found a fun summery dress that suits you! My daughter and I always encourage each other to try clothes on because ‘you never know…..’. But perhaps looking at an outfit from a picture gives you another perspective?
I do believe that seeing photos of ourselves in outfits is even better than looking in a mirror. Shopping selfies are a must.
I love to experiment with fashion, Suzanne. I often try out things I’m sure will not suit me, and once in a while I am pleasantly surprised. That dress, with its vibrant flower pattern and its ruffles, really screams “summer” and it suits you and all. Oh, and I’m still laughing after reading your Spanx post. It’s a good thing I’m not wearing any … xxx
I seriously thought I was going to pass out when I had that Spanx fight. I went into panic mode. No more full body Spanx for this gal.
I find that charity/thrift shopping definitely makes me consider things outside of my normal remit, it does make it a lot of fun! I end up trying different colours/prints or a different neckline. It’s no loss if it doesn’t work out and it was only 50p. I really like this dress on you. Great colours! x
I rarely if ever find something for 50 cents, other than one old sock…ha ha! Our thrifting prices are much higher than yours in the UK but still affordable to give something a try.
That is one craaaaazy print there! It looks very um, vibrant on you (in a good way)! Too bad about the Spanx requirement.
I’m thinking that the vibrant craaaaazy print camouflages my food baby quite well.
I think those colors look so good on you!!
I was pleasantly surprised with the colours. I may need to venture more into cold colours in the future.
Very very nice! But I am always amazed by the wonderful things you find thrifting! Because of you I am going to thrift when I will be in the UK in April! And when I find something , I make sure I let you know!!!
Yes! Please do let me know what you discover in the UK thrifting. I’m excited for you : P
BTW…I wrote a whole post for you about why I opened my Etsy store…not sure if you read it or not.
http://suzannecarillo.com/etsy-vintage-clothing-store-opened/
I know you had some questions about that.
The dress has a lovely shape and the colors look great on you. Spanx would be a show stopper for me, I can’t bear wearing them!
-Gail
I found a pair that is only the bottoms that are not too bad. The full body Spanx are a no go for me.
Yes, yes and yes Suzanne! This is a brilliant dress for you. I love the shape, the colours and pattern and the whole 60’s vibe is such fun. Of course, we ought to take time out to play, dress up, try out new styles and expand our repetroire. This little push outside your comfort zone certainly was worth the effort, and the Spanx!
And now I need to go back and read your earlier Spanx story.
Have a fab week x
Anna
Did you like the Spanx saga? LOL. That was a nightmare!
I loved the dress, dear Suzanne, it really has an air of the 60s, and I loved the colors – I love bold colors! The yellow shoes are also amazing! I think you are right, we should try to change something a bit, and I did it sometimes – but not reeeally 🙂 I used to work in the financial field and international banks required a more conventional approach… I always added some twist, but not like I really wanted 🙂 When I left it, I could be me 🙂 I really loved that you gave this dress a go, you look really lovely and beautiful! Hope you have a very beautiful week! Bisous!
DenisesPlanet.com
You seem like such a creative person Denise. I’m sure the banking world was a bit stifling for you.
Love the colors, and the asymmetrical hem is so flattering. It’s a definitely keeper.
Love the sleeves, hemline and print on that dress. And I love the fact that you actually have yellow shoes to match.
And we must be on the same wavelength as I recently got my hands on a 70s maxi skirt in a yellow, pink and blue floral print, a color combination I never wear .But I really liked the print so much, that like you, I thought I should give something new a chance. Will see how it goes once I take her out for a spin!
As far as Spanx, I’m actually so used to wearing shapewear now that I feel uncomfortable when not wearing it! I know, crazy right?
I was surprised by those yellow shoes. They go with so much more than I thought.
I cannot wait to see your new maxi skirt! It sounds DIVINE!
This looks amazing on you, Suzanne! I think you are just willing Spring to come with all the beautiful, vibrant-colored dresses you’ve been showcasing lately!
I appreciate how you said it was a stretch for you to try that dress, though. It’s not always easy to step outside of the box but you’ve helped me to do that a lot and I’m absolutely loving the results. Taking photos of outfits also helps me decide if I want to keep it or get rid of it as well. Sometimes I think something looks awful on me and then I take photos and change my mind. Sometimes I think it looks amazing and then I take photos and want to throw up. 🙂
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
I am *trying* desperately to push Spring in my direction…so far no dice.
I agree that taking photos truly makes us see ourselves from a different perspective.
I like to thrift, buying and selling on consignment. It stretches my clothing budget and allows me to try things, like a long vest, before making an expensive mistake, buy trendy items cheaper, and now and then discover a great find. I also find handbags, scarves and costume jewelry sometimes. Love reading your blog for inspiration!
It is true that thrifting is the best way to stretch out style imagination. That is one of the reasons I love it so much!
So glad you have found some inspiration here Elaine : )
Stunning array of colors. Perfectly spring! <3
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Bright and bold right? The total opposite of what I’ve seen you wearing lately. ; )
Yes yes YES to trying something new!
You have proved that cold colours can work when you have a little skin showing next to your face… as you do here.
Spanx issues aside (I’m not a fan) this hemline and the overall look is a winner.
I hope to see it again :o)
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
I’ll wear this on the blogger meet-up that you’re planning next year ; P
Oh, Suzanne—this dress is gorgeous!! I think it’s the colors that just make you sparkle in it!
I’ve only become more adventurous in trying new styles now that I’ve been blogging! And it’s fun—I mean, who wants to be stuck in a rut the rest of their life?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You are very good at challenging yourself and your style regularly Jodie. You will never be stuck.
That dress is a completely different colour palette than what we’re used to seeing on you. The shape looks nice on you and I like the ruffles. It is a good idea to try things that you wouldn’t usually wear, especially if you find it secondhand for a reasonable price.
Funny enough I was still drawn to the colours but had no idea that I could make them work. I’m even more liberal when purchasing now because I figure if it doesn’t work on me I should be able to sell it.
The dress is from France! Too funny.
This lovely summer dress reminds me of my 1971 dress with ruffle sleeves and hem. But that was a very cropped top and long skirt. Gipsy baby. This dress of yours is far more practical. And yes, I venture more and more into new fields of dressing.
Greetje
Love it!! How cool to try some new things sometimes 😉
Love your blog! Lots of love, Florentine