A New Patio Dress

I am so excited guys! I finally have a vintage patio dress of my very own! And look how cute it is!

Lately, I've been really wanting to add some southwestern and Mexican flair to my wardrobe. Given that I also live somewhere rather warm for most of the year, a lot of the styles are very practical for me. I'm not generally a fan of anything country/western/cowboy but I'm learning that there are some other aspects of these styles that I do enjoy.

Adding a vintage twist is always helpful. I just adore ric rac especially the yards and yards of it needed for a really smashing patio dress. I've been stalking etsy for one in my size and budget. It certainly helps that I can shop for summer pieces all year round and pretty much where them as soon as they arrive.

This particular dress features teal, lavender, gold and black ric rac. And while they aren't my usual colors, I adore this combo! So pretty! And I'm a sucker for the ric rac with the gold woven in.

I actually have a few packs of just such vintage ric rac that I'm saving up for a special project. I actually purchased fabric for it last summer but when the fabric arrived, it wasn't quite what I wanted so I used it for something else. But I still have my ric rac day dreams.

If you had told me a year ago that I'd love wearing a white dress, I'd have told you you were crazy. Even my wedding dress was ivory. But Florida Stephanie has acquired a slight tan (ie so I look like a normal human being and not an albino) and white looks much better on me now.

Another favorite feature of this dress is the closure. It's super simple. Just a slit in the back that closes with one hook and eye. Yay for elastic waists! I like the little peak of skin especially since the neckline is so high.

It's quite a fun, twirly style of dress. And twirling brings me so much more enjoyment knowing that I didn't have to do any of that gathering! I loathe gathering. It was really interesting for me to find that this skirt is a lot less full than the one I made. Next time I make one, I can cut down on fabric, ric rac and, of course, gathering.

Also new to this outfit are the shoes. I've had several old pairs kick the bucket and I needed some new practical basic shoes I could wear every day. This black pair fit the bill. And as a bonus, they have nice squishy stuff in the soles.

I'm pretty sure I'm hooked on these patio dresses now. I just adore everything about them! Of course, it may be a while before I find another elusive one in my size and my budget.

 Until then, I plan on wearing this one loads!!