Wednesday 20 August 2014

My Outfit Pick of the Summer 2014

I had heard of instagram being a marketing tool and didn't understand quite how that worked until I saw this dress featured on the instagram of the lifestyle blogger Amanda Brooks.

I don't have her physique nor do I normally take notice of outfits in relation to my wearing it but this dress just looked so comfortable and feminine.

Regular readers know that I don't normally do personal style posts but I am making an exception for this dress.

Most of you know that I had avoided shopping at any type 
of high street brand after I went through the trauma of packing up my belongings for my house refurbishment.  
I was so disgusted with meaningless junk of all forms I had accumulated that 
I became very strict with purchases.

This dress is from Zara and is affordable at £36. 
This is the sort of dress that has made Zara a success.
I am showing the dress on a hanger and on myself.
It is a strapless dress so I have worn it with a cardigan.

Selfies are not my thing and they are very difficult as I don't have a proper flattering selfie mirror.  I used the very narrow mirror in a small nook of a bathroom so please forgive the pics.

This pose isn't "act natural and lean against the wall". It is me trying to fit myself into the narrow mirror!
Yes I am wearing black and blue.
But the blue is more indigo and denim so it wasn't jarring.

These pics really aren't very good to the extent that I nearly didn't post this...
But I have to tell you that it was a dream to wear as it is slightly fitted but also loose in the right places.
(I took a large size. I fit into the medium until I had to zip up around my chest.  So while I like the way it fit better from the waist down in the medium I had to settle for large due to my bust.)
The dress also has pockets which I adore!
It can be worn with or without a cardigan and I have paired it with a jacket which I plan to wear in the autumn.

But I have rarely gotten so many compliments on the dress from my friends and complete strangers in London ( in London!!)

 
So for that reason I thought I should share this find with those looking for a staple basic that you will get a lot of use out of.

47 comments:

  1. Wow Naomi that looks fab! And at that price point The Den awards extra credit! That denim looks to have a supple hand and the indigo works perfectly with the black sweater wrap.

    I wonder if MaiTai will commission a line of Hermes selfie mirrors? They'd sell like hotcakes!

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    1. Too king GSL but I figure if I fit into it then it will be flattering to anyone. But actually Maitai should think about expanding her wares into mirrors but also I should write to her to request a selfie post bc holding the camera is an art!

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  2. Naomi I say do more outfit posts I love it!
    This looks incredible on you and the way you've paired it with the wrap cardigan is perfection. Gosh now I want one of these dresses!
    I've just pinned it to my Frock Philosophy board as it is just so so good.

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    1. You would do wonders to and with this dress Dani! I did wear jewellery I wouldn't normally wear as it acts as a great backdrop. But I might buy another one just in case this dress gets thin from overwear!

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  3. I love it! I will go to Zara ASAP! Thanks for the recommendation: I am off to the beach next week.

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    1. It's such a great slip on dress perfect for summer dinners! Have fun on holiday

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  4. Hmm ~ I like the idea of the denim fabric for something so feminine. Well done Naomi!

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    1. The fabric makes it not too girly and bit too sexy even tho it's strapless. Perfect for the upcoming summer? :)

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  5. Great dress and it fits you a dream!

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    1. Thanks Wendy I am do glad I found a safe comfy summer dress!

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  6. Yes, Instagram is indeed responsible for some of my spending in the past few months - from fashion to food to holidays. I do indeed love this dress on you; boobs or not, your figure looks amazing in it and don't worry about blue and black - that rule doesn't really apply to denim. I didn't realise it was denim in your FB picture. I wouldn't be able to wear this because I can't/don't wear knee-length because of my masculine calves and I can't/don't wear strapless/boob tube style because I haven't really been blessed in the chest area. Loved your selfies Naomi xx

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    1. I might have to limit my IG bc at least Facebook doesn't make me spend! I think you could get away with most things Colleens you always look good in things that most can't date to wear!!! X

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  7. Totally approve! You look great

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  8. You made on pinterest!! You look great baby...the dress is nice too.

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    1. @ordinette and @BB thanks guys but honestly it is the dress!

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  9. luff! with the exchange rate that drew is about AU $197.35 xxx

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  10. Love it! Will be popping down to Zara post haste to see if its in the local one (probably not). Love the cardi with it. As for selfie problems, I have the same issue. I really don't like posting photos of me standing on top of my loo in the ensuite for a full length shot!

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    1. @Faux Fuchsia - isn't it funny how Aussies are so good with knowing foreign exchange!? ;)

      @Heidi - you would get so much use out of it - school runs, lunches, your dinners on your lovely new garden! I need to practice selfies though...

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  11. Run don't walk (as FF would say) to get that back-up second dress! Anything that looks so good and makes you feel so good - and where you get loads of compliments is fabulous! Especially at that price! Pammie xx

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  12. Wow, fabulous dress! You look amazing!! Just when I thought I had broken myself of the habit for Zara, your post is drawing me back in! Definitely post more selfies - I would love to see what kinds of outfits you put together.

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    1. @ Pammie - I think I might bc the dress might become threadbare soon! x

      @Louise - I broke the habit of Zara too but made an exception at this quality for the price.

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  13. You really are too modest, Naomi: you look fantastic. The dress is perfect on you ( and is lovely with that little cardi ). Navy and black are great together, I think ( not that the dress is navy, but you know what I mean). I am not sure I could fit into Zara - I've heard it is quite tiny sizing, and I have barmaid's bosoms, sadly. But, there is a branch in town and I am going to have a quick squint today. What a complete bargain. Instagram: another rabbit-hole... Xs

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    1. navy and black are ok I think especially when it is denim but you get those fashion sticklers who point out that you have worn the two together!!! I know quite a few men who like bosoms Sue hehe. But honestly have a look bc it is such a bargain and good stitching too. IG has become facebook without the politics so it is a lot more relaxing xx

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  14. No wonder you got so many compliments Naomi, you look fab!
    It's got a modern twist on a fifties Grace Kelly vibe.
    Have you tried a twilly as a sash/belt thingy?
    Your going to have lots of frock twins...including me if I can fit 'the girls' in.

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    1. I suppose it is a modern twist on that fifties style dress. I would have bought the dress in every color but alas they only make it in denim. Darling SJV I couldnt fit that twilly around my neck! I can't wait to compare how people wear their dresses so I can pinch some ideas off everyone.

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  15. I love it on you! So flattering!

    I realised recently I truly have "enough" clothes...winter here is so uninspiring anyways since most things are hidden under warm coats!

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    1. I have too many clothes but ironically not enough that I love to wear and look ok on me! I need to do a recull. But thanks Anne!

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  16. Looks super on you and its pretty classic. Get the extra.
    Tonkath

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    1. You know what after this I am getting online Tonkath!

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  17. Love this look. Do they have a maternity version- have outgrown my wardrobe!

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    1. Yes I think they do have zara maternity but not sure if Australia carries the line!

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  18. Love this Naomi. Looks great and I can see this being perfect for fall as well. I am going to check out our Zara today..You should so more style posts! xx Kim

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    1. The selfies were rather difficult Kim! It is an artform in itself. :) xx

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  19. You look great in this dress and I'm so glad that people are telling you. My husband can't believe that women compliment each other because as he says no man would ever say to another man you look great in that etc. Enjoy wearing your dress! Den x

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    1. Thanks Den but honestly I think people who didn't know me loved the material bc it is rare to see a strapless dress in denim plus it had pockets!! But so true - guys would never say that the other guy's bum looks small in those jeans hehe xx

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  20. That's gorgeous! I love black and blue together. It always looks very chic. Great choice.

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    1. Thsnks but I think it could do with done jewellery now looking at the pics!

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  21. Oh I love that you did an outfit post. You look amazing in this dress! I like that you paired indigo with black, that is one of my favorite color combinations. Unrelated side note, you bad girl I have become obsessed with the Zebra Pegasus scarf and am worried if I walk into the Wall Street boutique I'm going to buy it. I think it's calling my name! Aaaaaaagggghhhh! XO, Jill

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  22. I have been trying so hard to only buy items of clothing which I absolutely love, which are versatile and which don't just sit there in the wardobe. This is a dress which I'm sure you will wear time and time again and not just this season. A great buy!

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  23. The pockets alone are worth the price of that dress. I love pockets! Admirable selfie and you look great.

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  24. Sweet & Dear Mrs. CSW
    Honestly, sincerely, completely, take more selfies, because you look honestly, sincerely, completely fabulous. The dress, well, the dress looks so comfy that I might give it a whirl and, generally, I don’t wear dresses. I do, however, cover my shoulders, and I do, however, combine blues with blacks and just dare somebody to say something.

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  25. Thanks @Mary M, @miss b, @Gallivanta @Melo and @GF.

    @Jill - apparently it is already super popular and probably is THE scarf that everyone is raving about.

    @GF - please post a pic with covered shoulders, black and blue and a dress for a laugh when you are better!

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  26. This is such a fun post Naomi!! You finally took a selfie (or almost a selfie-a headless selfie;) and that dress looks amazing on you. Excellent choice! Now we want to see more of you.
    xx

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