There’s been a whole lot going on in the Fine-Whatever world in the last few of weeks. If you haven’t been by in a while, you may want to get caught up by reading My World Has Changed and a “part 2” post will publish tomorrow. Because of these goings on, I didn’t host my usual weekly link up last week or the week before but I’m back in action now as is the link up. To be honest, I’ve been wrestling with whether or not to continue with my usual weekly themes given what I have in front of me (LOL, in front of me) but that doesn’t change my fondness for shopping and desire to be stylish. And yes, I’m deliberately being vague in hopes that you will read the posts that I’ve referenced. Fine, whatever.
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I adore florals. Enough so that floral was the original theme for my link up when I first started it and I have a lot of it in my wardrobe. I prefer them to be on the bold side so as to not be too sweet or frilly. My style tends towards a more tailored look and those elements lend sophistication to florals that also suits my style. That’s why this easy cool floral dress found a home in my closet.
The eye is drawn in by the pattern, the colors are dynamic and pleasing, the fabric has good touch and drape, and then you discover the side-seam pockets. A dress with side-seam pockets is not one to pass on so I didn’t. If you haven’t seen it already at one of a famous national retailer’s stores in your area, you might be fooled into believing I got it at a store like Anthropologie.
And while I’m very fond of the vibe and aesthetics, often their merchandise doesn’t fit me well. I’m not tall and willowy slender so most of the dresses from that retailer are too long and otherwise not flattering to my figure. This doesn’t stop me from looking and every now and again, I might find a top or skirt on sale that fits as is the nature of shopping. It was from that retailer’s description of its styling inspirations that I came up with the title of this post.
Dress – WhoWhatWear
Blazer – Loft Factory Store, old (similar look, another option)
Tote – Merona, old (similar look, another option)
Shoes – Loft, old (similar look, another option)
Had you already guessed as to from which national retailer I had bought this dress? Time and time again, I’m perplexed as to why I find more clothing options that I like and that fit me at this retailer then I do at others. I wrestle with the desire to rebel against the allure of fast-fashion but on the other hand, I like variety and options in my wardrobe for which a limited budget can only stretch so far. Specifically with this dress, the brand has a look that fits my tastes. (BTW, this is not a sponsored post.)
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from the last link up is Andrea of Andrea’s Wellness Notes and her self proclaimed “loud green pants”. She looks so fresh and playful and I’d hardly call those pants loud.
If there is one simple truth, it is that life goes on. A new challenge has been placed before me but it won’t hold me back. It may cause me to reassess priorities but it won’t change my desire for self-expression through my style. To be bold, to be fierce, to be easy cool. What motivates you?
Letโs connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble โฆ all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.
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34 Comments
What a beautiful prints dress! You look fabulous as always!
Cheers,
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
Thank you for the lovely compliment, Edwige.
I was thinking the same thing about Target lately–I just visited their jewelry last week and came home with more than I expected!! But we need some big box stores around, don’t we??
I added my mom’s look to the linkup since she’s wearing a floral scarf. Wanna hear a funny story about the scarf? I picked it from her huge collection for this outfit, and she said she’s never worn it before! Want to know why? She thought it looked old ladyish!!! Now if that isn’t calling the pot black, I don’t know what is!! But shhhhh….don’t tell her I said that!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, thanks for being a ‘big box’ soul sister and a floral lover as well. It seems odd to me how many women think that florals are old ladyish. There are some patterns that are very retro but that can be cool as long as the style is fresh and the material is modern.
This dress looks fabulous on you and the print is really unique! The colors in the floral are unexpected and the print design is also more graphic. I love it!
I also love the cute “spectator” style pump you’re wearing!
I find your outlook motivating Rena! Continuing to be the stylish woman that you are is a good way to maintain a positive focus and healthy self esteem. If you look good you’re more likely to feel good too. I admire your refreshing directness and spunk.
Jude, I’m glad you like the dress as much as I do and thank you for the lovely compliments.
Fabulous dress! I like the big flowers. And black is always number one for me! Enjoy your Sunday Rena!
Thank you, Nancy
Gorgeous dress Rena, love the colours. I look forward to reading part 2 xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
I’m glad that you like the dress, Laurie.
What a fun floral dress! I love that print!
Thank you.
That’s a great dress! I really love the print! And I’m very glad that you are continuing with your blog and the link up! Hopefully, blogging is something that takes your mind off things for a while and brings you joy!
Thanks for featuring me and my “loud” pants!
Andrea, you are most welcome of the feature and thank you for your support and encouragements.
Hi Rena
Happy to hear you are continuing with what you love doing here. I love certain florals too and most of mine or bolder prints or artsy painterly looking. Love the bold pattern against the black, it looks lovely on you!
Does anyone go to Target and just get what they need ! haha ๐
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess, you and I are kindred spirits when it comes to florals. As for Target, a shopping trip seems incomplete without a cruise through the clothing section.
What a time you have had recently, dear Rena! I am thinking of you all the time, and looking forward to seeing you again. Your incoming silvers look marvelous, as does your floral dress and fine heels. Thanks for linking up, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti, thank you. I appreciate the positive thoughts and I’m looking forward to seeing you again as well.
Rena, florals are so my favorite! And living where I do with limited shopping destinations, you know I am somewhat of a “Target whore”! Ha! I always find pieces I love there and I simply cannot resist the whimsy of some of their prints. This dress is one of those irresistible prints! I may need to go check my local Target to see if it is in stock. And that bag…I love it so much that I have a very similar (maybe even identical) one in my closet…reminding me that it is time to change out bags anyway. You look fabulous, darling, even with all the shit going on!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Love this ladylike look on you and the florals.
The shoes…swoon.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne, thank you. I like the look’s classic qualities without it being dated. I’ve had the shoes for probably 15 years and I hope that they last another 15.
LOVE the print on this dress and totally get how it made it home to your closet!!
Xx
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
Thank you, Joi. I’m glad that you can see things my way. LOL
Love that dress. I recognized the pretty print.You look like a pretty bouquet, Rena!! Welcome by and join my latest Thursday Moda too – don’t forget, it is live every Thursday. Thanks, Ada. =)
What a very kind and lovely compliment, Ada. I will definitely be joining your link up on Thursday.
I love the dress you picked from Target. I have been wanting to try who what wear but never got a chance! I hope a can find something when I go on vacation.
Lanae, thanks for stopping by and commenting. if I ever move to another city/state, one of criteria will be to be within an hour’s drive of a Target. I don’t know how I would survive with one nearby.
Wow what a cute dress, that looks fab on you. Thanks for hosting the link up. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thank you, Jacqui.
You look absolutely lovely in this dress, Rena and your shoes are so adorable
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au
Beautiful dress, I love dark florals. You look fabulous Rena!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Tarjay (Target) is also my fave and I can hardly get thru the store without checking the clearance rack. I seem to find such great buys there. On another note, You will survive the high tides because you are strong and have the right attitude. I am so inspired. .
Love your shoes, and you made the whole outfit look good. Thanks for sharing your post at the bloggerโs Pit Stop. Keep em coming! ?
Pit Stop Crew
That dress is fabulous. I love it so much. I recognized that it is from Who What Wear. I love that line so much and own a lot from it. Welcome by Thursday and linkup with me dear Rena! Thanks, Ada. =)