Coastal Grandma? Bohemian Soul?

Back in May, I debuted this dress from Gudrun Sjödén (available in neutral in limited sizes) on the blog for a Style Imitating Art challenge (here). I had seen ads for the brand before and really liked the aesthetic. Honestly, I didn’t think I could ever pull off the look. I decided to buy a few more pieces when the prices went down. Then, they really dropped! You can still pick up some real bargains! Shipping is so quick even with a sale going on.

Mix and match…

Gudrun Sjödén, based in Sweden, is known for its colorful prints including florals, stripes, and dots as well as other graphic designs. If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you know I do like to mix prints. I have been playing with the prints I recently bought. It’s going to have to cool off for some of them to appear on the blog, though. Most of the garments are made from cotton and linen with some really wonderful jersey pieces.

My outfit…

Now, if you’re a true Gudrunista, you layer and layer and layer. And, I do mean layer! Many wear a dress, a slip, leggings, a cardigan, and maybe even a blouse…all at the same time! Most of the Gudrunistas I follow on Instagram go with a monochromatic color scheme. And, I decided to do that with today’s look. I’m wearing the Kauri Dress (limited sizes and colors) over the Pezenas dress. I’ve worn the Pezenas dress several times, but we were going to an appointment so I threw the Kauri dress over the top. I knew it would be chilly in the office. We ended up going out for dinner with some friends a little later, and the combination kept me feeling just right!

What’s it gonna be…

As I look at my outfit, I’m trying really hard not to think nightgown and dressing gown! But, I kinda see that! And, they are comfortable enough to be that. I, however, am looking at this outfit as either an example of Coastal Grandma or Bohemian Soul. Just a note on sizing. If you’re buying anything, read the descriptions closely. They will tell you the fit (standard, slim, generous, and extra generous) and give the measurements for half the bust. If you click on the size guide, it also tells you about how much extra allowance is built into the garment.

The Lewk!

I do believe my earrings are wrong side up! Oops! I remember fiddling with them before taking the snaps and must have fiddled too long! These earrings as well as the coil bracelet are old and from Stella & Dot. The other bracelet is from my days haunting eBay for treasures. The sandals are from Superladystar.com. These are the sandals that took about six weeks to arrive. The quality is good, but I’ve had some flaking of the material covering the heel. I don’t know if I’d recommend these or not. If you check the reviews, almost all of them are 5 stars with 4 stars being the lowest. Surprisingly, mine did not show up! Hmmm…wonder why!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I really enjoyed wearing this outfit out and about. It was so warm outside. Then I realized Jodie often talks about how long sleeves aren’t always hot when it’s hot outside. I also realized I wasn’t hot. I was just right. So, can we talk? Would you consider this Coastal Grandma or Bohemian Soul? Have you ever worn a dress over another dress? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as possible.

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21 Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, you know I absolutely love this boho style and layering 2 dresses! I also am currently really into the combination of turquoise and blue. I just photographed an outfit in those colors over the weekend. You look amazing, my friend. And those sandals are really something extra special!

    Shelbee

    • Thanks, Shelbee! I don’t think I put these two colors together very much, but I really liked how I could layer these two together. I can’t wait to see your outfit! I’m actually really happy with these sandals though it took me whining about where is my package after about a month.

  2. I love the colors and this bohemian look does seem like it would be nice and cool and airy for the summer. I have a few long sleeve tops that are wonderful for keeping the summer sun off but allowing those nice breezes through.

    • I love how you titled this look Marsha! Lesley does that a lot and I never think about it.
      I love finding new brands and this one is fabulous! Thanks for introducing me!
      Xoxo
      Jodie

    • Thanks, Joanne! I was truly surprised at how much cooler I was with my arms covered. It helps that the fabrics are flowy, too!

  3. I love thé turquoise and blue. Not sure if I would wear them layered like that, although it looks so cute. I am a rather conservative dresser. It may come from living in the South so long. Wish I were bolder. I love thé sandals. Those I would wear.

    • Thanks, Eileen! I used to be very conservative in my dressing. I was a teacher for over 20 years, but I’ve just decided to go for it now! Of course, living in the South, you wouldn’t want to layer too much!

  4. I absolutely love turqoise and blue together or turqoise and green. Such a attractive colour combination! Very creative to wear two dresses!

    • Thanks, Nancy! I don’t think it’s a color combination I’ve done much of. I’ll keep on doing it; that’s for sure!

  5. I really like the colours, and I think that this bohemian style would be perfect for the summer because it’s light and airy and beautiful and cool.
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/07/how-denial-hurts-helps-and-how-to-cope.html

  6. These colors are really stunning on you Marsha! And aren’t you clever to pair these two together!
    Nicely done!
    ??
    Kellyann

    • Thanks so much, Kellyann! They are definitely colors I’ve worn in the past and had too much of so I quit buying them! Hard to believe, I know!

  7. I would definitely go with Bohemian Soul, Marsha! I love it. I’m not sure if it would suit me or not, but I would definitely give it a try. I have to say I LOVE the colours together—that light teal (?) with the darker blue is particularly gorgeous!
    Big hugs
    Suzy xx

    • Thanks so much, Suzy! I think that’s better than Coastal Grandma any day! And, I think, while I’m definitely a granny, I’m more bohemian in style than a granny! Yes, this is a light teal or aqua and I though it worked because the outer dress has just a wee bit in the bottom.

  8. I love the print and colors in this outfit. It’s got all the Coastal Boho vibes down to the sandals. I would 100% feel like I’m wearing a nightgown because boho isn’t my style, but it’s really cute! And taking a page from Shelbee’s lookbook by adding a bunch of layered necklaces with malas and other boho beaded styles would be a fun look (for when it’s not too hot for jewelry).

    • Thanks, Sally! I just kept telling myself, “You’re not wearing a nightgown. You’re not wearing a nightgown.” I’m betting my neighbors and others who saw me thought, “She’s wearing a nightgown.” I thought about wearing a necklace but hated to cover the embroidery on the yoke. I should get over that and add some boho jewelry to lend itself more that way.

  9. This is such a beautiful color combo! Love how you layered these pieces! Definitely giving me the coastal boho vibes!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

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