Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer Polyester (or Exhibit C)



A-Dubs' recent post has inspired me to pull out my thrifted sundress, which I've maybe worn 3 times since I found it last summer. This dress has many positives. The outside is a lovely, floaty silk chiffon. There are mini round buttons on the empire bodice, giving this a vague drindl look. I don't mind a lack of a defined waist. It gives decent back coverage, which is key for me (I think the back is really intimate and personal, more so than upper legs). The hemline is a bit awkward, but I am taking a page out of A-Dub's book and rocking the wedge strappy sandals with the longer hemline.
The only issue is the polyester lining. As my mum-in-law has said, this defeats the purpose of the breezy silk summer dress. Do you think it's meant to be a fall dress, with a dark denim jacket, some tights? It's awfully flowery, so maybe some combat or motorcycle boots? Cowboy boots? What is up with sundresses with polyester linings, anyway? I am already sweating as I type this, but I am getting another wear out of it!

Dress: Zara, thrifted (Beacon's Closet)
Shoes: Giani Bini (gift from mom)

15 comments:

  1. I know--polyester in summer is a particular form of torture. Summers in some idyllic non-humid place, maybe--but not here. But I love the dress on you. I'd be tempted to toughen it up a little, too, for fall--even some ankle boots would give it an edge, and I like your idea of a denim or (p)leather jacket though the idea of that now makes me wilt. I just don't find cowboy boots flattering on most people in a dress--they hit at a weird place on the leg. You could layer this nicely, too--a vest or cardigan over, or even a slouchy pullover would tone down the "flowery" aspect.
    Goodwill just sent me an email that they're having a 50% off sale tomorrow. I'm wrestling with the question of, should I load up before the ban begins August 1st, or begin my virtuous life now...

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  2. I think that toughening it up for fall would be great. Or, I had a polyester lined dress that I simply cut the lining out of and worn over a silk slip. Requires a silk slip, though. (See Cynthia's comments from yesterday.)

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  3. Boots, fitted denim blazer? And yeah, cut the lining right out of that sucka if you want it to be summer wear. I have a couple of poly-lined silk dresses but they have sleeves and are in darker colors, so I just consider them fall-wear.

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  4. This would look FAB punked up for fall. But cutting out the lining is a good idea, too.

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  5. And of course, if you cut out the lining, you can still toss it over a polyester slip to make it warmer and acceptable fall wear.

    Away from the Keyboard (who is having posting problems again)

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  6. Thanks for the cutting out the lining suggestions! I need to get my hands on a good non-hot slip. But until then, toughening up for fall it is! With a denim jacket and some boots, this would probably still be a bit too casual for the classroom but great for office hours/meetings.

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  7. Hey Rad, have you ever seen someone wear that type of dress with a turtle neck underneath in the winter. Tights and boots were always included. I always thought that look was kind of cool. It was like "yes, it's a summer dress but I'm not gonna let something like the weather stop me from wearing it cuz the dress is awesome" kind of thing. Yes, like that.

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  8. Oooh! I love all the suggestions above (including your own ideas, of course) AND how you've styled it here. And frankly, the dress is exquisite on you. Exquisite!

    Also, I CANNOT wait to see it all styled up for fall. And I don't think the pleather and boots option would be too informal for the classroom. Well, maybe it would be a bit casual for the beginning of the term, but maybe around November you could get all B.A. with the dress & boots?

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  9. Love it! I agree with Charlotte re: cowboy boots but think you'd rock it in a leather jacket

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  10. @StyleUnderdog: I don't own any turtlenecks right now but if my ma were to mysteriously gift me one for Christmas, I know what to do with them...
    @A-Dbus and AUfH: Thanks! I also don't own a pleather jacket but if I still want one in a year, I know what to do!

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  11. I think I've seen that often - a really nice outer fabric lined with oh-so-lovely polyester. I think this is some sort of cost cutting method for the manufacturer, or some weird standard - if you've ever been in joann fabrics every fabric in the lining section is polyester. I don't know what the meaning of this is.

    Either way, I think the dress looks lovely for summer, and could easily carry you in to fall, which makes is versatile and therefore you'd better start wearing it a lot more!

    Chic on the Cheap

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  12. I love when sartorial dilemmas can be solved with scissors! Maybe you could sew a thin cotton or silk slip for dresses like this?
    For fall toughening, a fitted long-sleeve tee shirt might work in place of the turtleneck you don't have. I also think a menswear-style vest could provide some great contrast.

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  13. Love it! I agree with Charlotte re: cowboy boots but think you'd rock it in a leather jacket

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  14. This would look FAB punked up for fall. But cutting out the lining is a good idea, too.

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  15. Thanks for the cutting out the lining suggestions! I need to get my hands on a good non-hot slip. But until then, toughening up for fall it is! With a denim jacket and some boots, this would probably still be a bit too casual for the classroom but great for office hours/meetings.

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