Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I can’t believe it’s Monday already 🙁
Today’s post highlights a new look from one of my favourite go to brands, SWAK Designs.
I saw this swing dress when it first came out and while I was absolutely in love with the pattern, I wasn’t convinced on the shape and the length. And it has long sleeves.
But I kept thinking about it and they had a sale so I figured I would give it a try. I was very excited when I saw the dress in person, the print was so vivid and had rich jewel tones in it which are my faves.
And it turns out that the dress is pretty lightweight so I didn’t find it too hot. The icing on the cake was that the length was surprisingly just right for my comfort zone.
This is a dress that made me happy the moment I put it on. The silhouette is so fun and is very flattering. I was concerned that it would give me no shape and make me look bigger than I am but it has such a great cut with a full swing that it defines my waist and flares out beautifully. Clearly it made me want to do a twirl! I am wearing the 4x and I found the fit was generous.
The safe route for me would have been to throw on a pair of leggings but I’m trying to get back into wearing tights and nylons because I am so in love with dresses now and want to be able to wear them in the winter instead of resorting to pants all the time.
I wore my 100% opaque tights by Sonsee Woman. These tights are ah-mazing! I honestly cannot say enough good things about them. To get all the details, please click here to read my previous blog post Comfy Casual where I give you the full scoop.
Probably one of my favourite parts of pulling this look together was the realization that I had this fabulous cardigan in my closet and that the colour coordinated perfectly. I have had this cardigan for a few years now. It is from Laura, a Canadian retailer that carries petite, regular and plus sizes. Laura only carries up to a size 24 but sometimes I can find certain pieces that work for me. I am wearing a 3x in this sweater.
Now I know that I have a large wardrobe but I believe in holding on to classic pieces that will work from one year to the next and that can be mixed and matched with my new additions. This sweater may be in a unique colour but the shape and style are classic and it is a great pop of colour against any neutral. It is also a great layering piece for those days when you don’t need a jacket, you can just throw on a scarf and gloves and be ready to go.
To accessorize this look I decided to play on one of the other colours in the dress, a beautiful shade of teal. I got these necklaces from Lane Bryant. And yes, they are two separate necklaces. I have to thank my friend Thera from Cloud 14+ for introducing me to the concept of layering necklaces. I had never thought about it before but it definitely elevates a look.
I kept the rest simple with my super comfy black flats and one of my fave Coach purses, the Phoebe in teal. And yes, I make sure my purses have a little bit of spice too by adding a charm or scarf.
This look is perfect for a day of shopping and lunch with your bestie or casual friday at the office.
Thanks to Peter for capturing this look.
Dress by SWAK DESIGNS (similar, this pattern is sold out) | Tights by SONSEE WOMAN | Cardigan alternative 1 by SWAK DESIGNS | Cardigan alternative 2 by SWAK DESIGNS | Cardigan alternative 3 by ADDITIONELLE | Long Necklace by LANE BRYANT | Short necklace by LANE BRYANT (alternative) | Purse by COACH (updated style) |
