ESO: End of Summer Outfits

Northern California will probably be warm until Halloween, but Autumn officially starts in just ten days! In honor of the climactic end of Summer, some outfits I’ve worn along the way…

First, a beautiful vintage dress from the 1950s that I bought from a friend. The striking color, mid-century halter-twist neckline, atomic-era buttons down the back, and metal sequin details made me fall in love with this one.

Next, a great sale dress from Trashy Diva! This one’s the Annette Mini in Fifth Avenue Floral, size 14. I’ve been interested in this striking period floral design for some time, and I’ve hoped to pick up an Annette style for the last year at least. The fabric is a sturdy cotton sateen and the included belt really pulls together the ensemble. The strap placement is best suited by strapless bras, or you could go braless like I did. The “mini” designation is meaningful, as the dress is indeed very short. I’m 5’8″ and this one hits at mid-thigh.

I purchased this red Dolores Doll dress in a recent Collectif UK 50% off sale. The full A-line skirt and cute neckline details make it a good dressy-casual option. For all of its excellent points, however, the dress is not bra friendly. The shoulders are meant to sit slightly off-shoulder, so I had to wear this one with a strapless long line bra. Collectif sizing runs all over the map, too, so be sure to check the measurements on anything before you order. This is the UK 14, and my measurements are 43-32-48″.

A dressier option is Pinup Couture’s Vivien Dress in peach. With asymmetrical shoulders and a pretty jeweled applique, this one has a vintage feel and contemporary sensibility. The bengaline fabric and clever cut work together to create a lean – yet curvy – silhouette. The dress also comes in dark olive and black, but I thought the peach was cool and different. I got this one in XL.

Finally, two day-dress favorites: The Pinup Couture Heidi dress in black cat print and Evelyn in baby blue with pink roses, both in XL.