From Frumpy to Fabulous?

Kidding, not kidding…

You know how you see something on a website or in a catalog, and it looks really, really good? Yeah, this little tunic looked adorable on the model. Of course, she was slender and tall. Just about everything probably looks good on her. While I love the colors, the print, and the fabric itself (it’s jersey), this dress does not love me! Now, granted, my motive for this post was not to make this dress look good by itself. And, I know a belt or something else would help a lot. But, I have a plan!

Add a little something…

Now, before you get too judgy, let me tell you it was hot, hot, hot, and humid, humid, humid the day we took these photos! I had also been out in the yard working in the morning and had still not cooled down. Even with no estrogen flowing in this body, I still get hot and stay hot! What I’m working up to is this new and improved look is still a little lacking. And, the lacking is the air conditioning! But, I digress! When I ordered this dress/tunic, I really planned to layer it under or over something. I just wasn’t sure what that would be. It’s not like I’m lacking in my closet.

Ok, now, add a little something…

When I finally ordered this dress (now sold out), I was thrilled to discover the colors in it perfectly matched the colors in my strange little tunic. I wasn’t planning to wear a decorative slip under the tunic. But, when I look at the photos, I think there’s too much of a disparity between the lengths of the two dresses. I am certainly not giving up on either dress because I like both of them. I’m just not sure they’re a match made in Heaven!

The Lewk

The other day, Nigel and I stopped for a quick bite at a certain fast food restaurant. I had noticed a lady kinda watching me. I thought she probably didn’t like my hair or my dress…why I always go for the negatives, I don’t know. She was walking back to her friend and stopped to say, “My friend and I love your shoes! Did you get them in Florida?” She thought they were L’Artiste. I had forgotten they weren’t. They’re from another company but look remarkably like L’Artiste! I just checked the blog, and I wore the exact same jewelry (except for the white necklace) in this post! Is that a good thing, or am I stuck in a rut? I think everything has appeared on the blog numerous times, too. The necklace is chunks of amethyst and is from Coldwater Creek when they had actual stores. The earrings are eBay, and the bracelet is from a cute little boutique in Winona Lake. I wonder if it’s still around. The sandals are from Superladystar. I don’t necessarily recommend the site, but these sandals are comfortable. I wear them constantly.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I’m not sure if there’s a way to find a word count for posts, but this has to be one of my shortest! And, I think I may have fibbed a bit with my title though this green dress is definitely on the frumpy side. But, is the look fabulous? Hahaha!! I like this combination in theory. The reality is it’s lacking something. I am not entirely sure what that something is, though. So, can we talk? Do you think these two dresses even go together? What would you do to make them a little more cohesive? Or, would you just start over completely? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise I really do respond as quickly as possible. I know some of you receive an email notifying you of my response while others don’t. I honestly have no idea why that happens.

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22 Comments

  1. You are stunning and amazing the way you put clothes together. I admire you and your style.

  2. I think these two go together really well! The colors work and to me it seems a match made in heaven!
    Did you tell the lady in the restaurant that you have a blog? Hahaha! When people compliment me while I’m out I say thanks and then my sons (if they’re with me) say, “ why didn’t you tell her about your blog???” Ugh!! Why don’t we promote ourselves proudly??
    Anyway you look great Marsha!
    ?Kellyann

    • Thanks, Kellyann! I don’t think they were even paired together online or in the catalog. But, it seems like the perfect pairing.

      Hahaha!! No, I never even thought to say that. Every once in a while, when someone compliments me, Mike will tell them I have a blog. It rarely gets me anywhere, though!

  3. I think the mismatched lengths give the outfit more interest and the colors do go so perfectly together.

  4. I like that dress on you! It looks cool and summery. Right now, I can’t even think of wearing something over a dress, unless I know I will be in a iceberg air conditioned place, when I will add a piece just before entering. Such is life in the South!

    • Thanks, Eileen! Well, I was only outside for the few minutes of the photoshoot! I think I have a nice glow about me…hahaha!!! I remember, when my daughter lived in Charleston, how you would be so very hot and absolutely freeze when you went inside a store or restaurant. But, she can’t wait to return to that area when they are retired. Luckily (for me), it won’t be for a few more years.

  5. Ooohh!! I love those colors. The tunic, the duster, the sandals, and the jewelry — it all goes together to create a fabulous look! But, truly – I don’t think the tunic dress looks frumpy at all. Great style!
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

    • Thanks, Carol! Here I am with a loud floral print…told you I loved them! I thought the two prints went well together, but it wasn’t until I saw the photos that I saw just exactly how well! Thanks, again!

  6. I like the difference of the lengths, Marsha. Seriously, those go together like PB & J.
    Here’s a crazy idea (and it may not work)…could you layer the longer one under the shorter one??
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • Thanks, Jodie! As I look at the photos, I can see how well these prints go together. I don’t think I could layer the long one under the short one because it’s really voluminous with the tiers. But, I agree, that would probably look pretty amazing!

  7. I really like this color and print combination! And I also prefer a longer length duster over a dress. This is such a fun look!

    p.s. you should have told that woman that you have a blog!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • Thanks, Jill! I totally should have told her, but I always expect people to say, “What’s a blog?” And, I’m never quite sure how to answer that. I do love these two pieces. Everyone thinks the longer dress over the shorter dress is good. So, I guess I was worrying for nothing!

  8. I love the drama the extra print and layers bring to this outfit!

  9. To answer your question, YES these two dresses go together beautifully! I absolutely adore this combination. I also like the disparity in lengths. I think a belt would also look great when the weather permits it. Belts over dresses can get really hot! Ugh. When the weather cools down, could you try this combination over pants of some sort? Either leggings or flared denim might look really cute, too. Or button the top of the purple dress from the neck to the waist and leave the bottom flared open to just show the skirt part of the dress? These are just things I would play around with and see what you like best! I think you have a lot of options with both of these fabulous dresses!

    Shelbee

    Shelbee

    • Thanks, Shelbee! There were pants to match the shorter dress, and I almost wish I’d gotten them. But, I think they may have looked too much like pajamas and been way too much print for my vertically challenged body. But, yes, a belt is definitely needed for the inner dress. Ooh, I like the idea of buttoning the top and seeing what happens!

  10. This is some print mix magic happening in this outfit, and the two lengths work well in my opinion. And yes, wearing the same set of accessories together means you’ve found a beauty bundle/accessory set, so lean into it! 🙂

    • Thanks, Sally! I loved the way these two dressed looked together on hangers. I just wasn’t sure about the two lengths!

  11. I just popped over here after clicking on your comment I read on Penny’s blog. Fun to find you.

    What a happy accident to link those two prints together like they were meant to be! Great color combo and so nice with your pretty hair. You will have fun playing with possibilities.

    When I have time, I will read more of your posts. I send greetings from the Amazon area of Ecuador. Originally from Seattle.

    • Thank you so much, Elaine! I was really happy with the result mixing the two dresses, but I just wasn’t sure about the lengths. I do hope you’ll enjoy my posts. I’ve visited Seattle once and loved it. I hope to get back there. How interesting you live in Ecuador!

      Thank you again!