When I first saw this romper I thought it was a dress. When I found out it was a romper I knew I had to have it! The hardest part was picking the color :) However, I have a strong love for green so that made it an easy choice!
I loved the neckline on this number instantly - it cinches and really works well with any chest size. You can make it looser for a more blouse like effect or pull the material towards the center to give it a pleated look. The bottom (the shorts part) is super loose so it flares out a bit to give it that dress like look. Topped off with shoulder ties for the sweetest feminine details! I'm really having a moment with shoulder bows right now... can't get enough of them!!! I'm wearing a size small but think a Medium may have fit better. The romper zips up the back and it is ruched so it has stretch to it but I got a little self conscious about where the seam across the waist was. My trick to "hiding" my problem area was by adding a belt. I like how it almost made it look like I was wearing a two piece set. It looks cute without one too. I had also tried it on with a thin gold belt but I liked the contrast of the brown leather with the pretty green! I finished off this outfit with two Amazon favorites from last year - this straw circle bag (the crossbody strap is tucked inside) and my pearl embellished sandals. I wear these sandals so often that I got them in the stud version this year too. The pearls add the prettiest feminine touch and they're incredibly comfortable and easy to slip on and off!
It seems that every season I make one purchase that just wins over anything else I've purchased... you know that dress you reach for every single time? Because it's adorable, comfortable, you feel great in it, and it never lets you down? That's this dress for me!
The second I saw this online I knew I had to have it. I love the cotton material, the bow ties with tassels, the simple ruffle, the color, the pattern... etc. etc! Even though it's full on summer heat down here in the Keys I love wearing a maxi to protect my legs from constant sun and an extra barrier from mosquitoes! I truly believe it helps keep me a bit cooler too - like a big umbrella for my body haha. This one is such a winner I don't think I can explain it with words ;) Can't believe the small is still in stock! Normally Red Dress Boutique sells out of the cutest dresses pretty quickly - guess this one has gone under the radar. When I saw it was still available I quickly snapped these photos so I could share with y'all. I've linked all of my jewelry but a couple of things to note: my cloth bracelet is from Etsy (it's a knockoff) and my necklaces were personal gifts. My link bracelet and anklet are both from a black woman owned shop called 1929 Galore and I'm addicted. I've barely taken them off!! One of my goals for this year is to actively seek out black owned businesses, incorporate them into my wardrobe, and continue to support them. I wore this anklet to the sandbar all day last weekend and it didn't show a single sign of wear. I'm also a huge fan of that chain style right now! Be sure to check them out - I love how they have different sizes you can order for bracelets (tiny wrists rejoice!!)
The days in Key West have been warm (not hot) during the day and nice at cool at night. Plus, there's always a breeze running through the island. This glorious weather has me reaching for maxi dresses with a flowy material - and a jean jacket for nights on the water!
I ordered this maxi last month because I didn't have a halter dress I loved sitting in my closet. It was oddly enough something very specific that I was searching for and had no luck. Amazon to the rescue am I right? I found the green dress with a slight hi-lo hem and a darling pattern. When I received it in the mail I obviously put it on instantly. I was so happy to see that it barely wrinkled and was the perfect length with sandals on my 5'-6" frame! This would work so well on taller girls, or short girls with heels, or any height girl with heels because the hem doesn't make it look awkward wherever it hits. You can adjust where the elastic waist hits with help of the ribbon - it's not attached and doesn't have loops to go through FYI. I've reached for this dress a couple of times now and am practically thinking about getting another color! Green is my favorite though :)
I know I've worn these Tkees shoes more times than y'all can count... I got them for Christmas from my sister and her fiance! I've had my heart set on these shoes for YEARS but never actually swooped them up. Don't ask my why not because with a price tag at $50 there's no reason to not try them out (they have free returns and exchanges). When Samantha asked me what I wanted for Christmas they were the first thing I put on my list. They. Are. So. Damn. Comfortable!!! Tkees form to your feet and the leather is an absolute dreammmm - feel like I'm walking on clouds!!
A note about sizing: they run small and if you have wide feet you'll have to size up again too. I have very narrow feet so the straps across were a little tight at first but they've stretched out a loooot. I normally wear a 7 and went up to an 8 (no half sizes) and they fit perfectly now.
Let's talk about this bag... yes, I know it's a splurge for a straw bag. However, the double handles, personalization, and quality of materials is above and beyond. I purchased a designer straw bag at the end of last summer (through Rent the Runway, but still a $$ tag) that had short handles and long straps and they style was so convenient. I carried it almost every day but the rough straw began breaking, poking out, and just falling apart. I was very disappointed. I knew that all of the details on this bag would check those boxes and hold up better. The neutral colors make my heart sing and the pocket inside is perfect for your phone! [You can purchase without letters and choose whatever patches you want.]
I love a good smocked detail on dresses and tops but was worried that having it around my mid-section would highlight an area that I didn't want to have attention brought to. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when the fit was really slimming! You can move the skirt up or down and really maneuver this style to fit your body type. Plus, it's so lightweight and breezy without making you look baggy. The combo of loose up top and fitted at the waist is very slimming. I've been stalking the website to see if this has popped up online yet but no luck (it's still in stores)! I've linked a bunch of similar dresses in the same style that are just as adorable! These wedges have also become a staple for me this summer. They're perfect for work and fun! I wore them to a welcome party for a wedding in MA last weekend. I can commute to work in them AND dance all night in them - total win in my book!
