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2011-07-24

Summer Ventilation

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Dress? DvF, Off Saks 5th Ave. Shoes? Coach, Winners Bangles? Mexico and thrifted

I am pretty sure I was a smug kid when I found this silk DvF dress at an outlet a few years ago for $15. I imagined it would be an oft-worn, easy breezy dress for my favourite summer activities. Summer activities that would include beach strolls, farmer's market runs, sangria making and churning butter. I have varied interests, you see...
But I've learned that backless isn't synonymous with easy, breezy style. The bra that you wear with a backless style is science in and of itself. Sometimes you apply the bra cups perfectly and sometimes you make really loud, obnoxious jokes so that no one notices that your chest is supported in a lopsided manner. The tan lines (once again) are hard to avoid and then there is the twinge of self consciousness that comes with walking around with an exposed back. For all those reasons this cheery dress has never quite become a summer staple.
But when you have a heat wave and no real air conditioning in the house and it is so hot that you hate everyone and your cat's hair is crimping; all those details seem rather minor and you feel smug again for only spending $15 for such a pretty and ventilated dress.

40 comments :

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful dress, but I understand that self-consciousness perfectly. First, I can't go braless and have never tried the kind of bra you describe. Second, the moles on my back are NOT delightful for others to see.

Cad said...

I have so many items that never quite made it to the wardrobe staple status that I'd hoped they would.
But hey, I'd say this dress for $15 is very worth it!
It looks beautiful on you!

Cad
http://cadattack.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the prettiest dresses can be the most painful to wear. And I can't see any lopsided boobs ... So good job :)

Kelly@
Elegantly Academic

Linley said...

love your dress! the colors and share are gorgeous!

Jessica Gitler said...

the dress is fantastic, and I just love the colors!! i feel ya on the whole open back thing, it sure makes it complicated! you look great in it!!
jess
www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com

Nadine said...

Oh good lord, it's SNOWING in New Zealand . . You look very lovely and super-comfortable.

Anonymous said...

Wow that dress was such a score, the colors and print are gorgeous, of course nobody knows best about this than DVF, love the bangles!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

Frannie Pantz said...

Amen sister! You look very great and easy breezy indeed.

Bri said...

What a find that dress is, regardless of tan lines and etc I think you look fantastic, also love the layered bangles!

Siena in Style said...

you look amazing in this dress!
have a wonderful day, you can also visit my blog:)
http://sienastyle.blogspot.com/

The Style Box said...

That dress is absolutely beautiful! and I love your shoes! It's so frustrating when you think you've found the perfect summer dress and you can imagine wearing it everywhere but in reality it just gathers dust in your closet. I spent £160 on an Adam dress from the Outnet which I love and thought I'd wear it all the time but it's white and just way too see through! Never mind, I'll have to sell it I suppose. x

Vanessa, Take only Memories said...

That is such a gorgeous dress! You look wonderful!

Courtney said...

Backless dresses make me really self conscious too! You have no reason to feel that way though! I also can't apply the bra cups very well either! Makes backless dresses a no no for me. I'm totally jealous of how this looks on you. It's gorgeous! Now you need to invest in some air conditioning! Poor thing!

Kate said...

Silk AND dvf for $15?! That is amazing. I am loving this dress! I've never understood backless dresses and how girls wear them (but maybe they all have these bra cups you speak of) because I can definitely not go sans bra, but I absolutely LOVE the look! Also, died a little over the fact that your cat's hair was crimping in the heat! Bahaha.

A Stylized Hysteria said...

I hate those stickable bra cups, so when I want to wear something backless I just use bandaids on my nips. Works great (especially with my smaller chest)! That is such a gorgeous dress and great deal- it puts my $40 dvf find to shame!

Ang said...

Just wear your normal bra and throw on a cardi. Done. Easy peasy, although not so breazy. Hey it's a fall dress. I hear florals are raging this fall. SO you are ahead of the game.
A.T.

Anastasia from Natbeesfashion said...

I have many dresses and t-shirts that are backless.
I find myself rarely wearing them because I feel less confident and uncomfortable.
But this one that you are wearing is fantastic!!!!You look great :))
xo
Anastasia

Megan said...

First off, this dress is super lovely on you.

Secondly, I almost spit out my coffee when I read your last paragraph. I know exactly what you mean - I live in Florida and my car doesn't have A/C. I hate everyone and everything when I'm driving, and my middle finger basically doesn't come down until I park.

Anonymous said...

I have a special section in my closet dedicate to backless dresses that I never wear. They're so pretty on the hanger I completely forget the fact I don't have one of those special bras. Usually I just wear them with a normal bra and a blazer and call it good.

Lisa - Archives Vintage said...

is that bra from the future? it defies gravity! totally worth it for that amazing dress!

Healthy and Homemade said...

What an amazing DVF dress, I'm so jealous! =)

Katie said...

Those bracelets are awesome! I can't believe you thrifted them!

guildedsecret. said...

at $15 i think you're a bargain hunting GENIUS... even with all of your cons this dress is still summer perfection...

with love,
guildedsecret

::post script:: the lop-sided boob thing cracked me UP...

Please may I? said...

beautiful dress and you look stunning in it too.

X x

From Suns To Moons said...

"your cat's hair is crimping" - comedic gold!

Unknown said...

That's why I never rationalize purchases anymore...they always hunt me that way. Instead, I just buy them because. (My closet thanks me.)

Tabitha said...

I'm obsessed with your dress however I totally get the whole backless issue. Regardless you look rockin' in and it's such a steal for $15...I mean that's worth it even if you only wear it once.

Academic Writer (a.k.a. A-Dubs) said...

Yeah, yer the cutest. And that dress is smashing on you. These photos are adorable, too.

Lisa said...

love this color combo. what a steal!

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

i am SO jealous that you got that gorgeous dress for $15!?!?!? are you KIDDING ME? i looooove it. the print is amazing. i'll tell you what...how's about i take that uncomfortable dress off your hands for ya for $16! =) ha ha...a girl can dream. truly...it looks beautiful on you. lucky.

~xo, jenn
the stylish housewife

Julie Del said...

That dress is gorgeous and it looks great on you.....but I can totally relate to the backless bra shenanigans.

Julie Del @ J.Bird

allie said...

I feel you on the lack of air conditioning and dreadful heat lately. Backless dresses are definitely warranted, especially a cute steal of a backless dress like that one. Lopsided boobs are a small price to pay for ventilation!

Allie @ my WOREdrobe

Anonymous said...

You look beautiful in that wonderful dress.

Mrs. Bubz said...

Tan lines and horribly complicated bra aside, I adore backless dresses, so worth the $15.00! Good call girlie!! (:

OO
-L

http://LeahToday.blogspot.com

nicole marie said...

that dress is gorgeous! I love your hair like that! those bras are so obnoxious, yet such a lifesaver

April said...

Love that dress...looks like the perfect "no-real-ac" dress! And your hair looks fab! Did you twist the sides then do a bun??

kelsey williams said...

i love this dress on you!

Holly S said...

Haha, this made me laugh out loud. I just bought a beautiful Armani Exchange backless maxi dress also thinking it would an easy summer staple. I searched the world over looking for a bra to wear with it and ended up sewing a long elastic strap to a pair of bra hooks. I cross the straps of my existing bra in the back then attach the ends to this elastic getup and wrap it around my waist. I definitely look ridiculous in this contraption but it works. Beautiful dress BTW!

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