SPRING DRESSES:THE PERFECT MIX OF STYLE AND COMFORT

When spring arrives and summer is not too far away, it is a signal for me to check-up on the dresses in my closet. The review has started, with a few dresses removed from my closet, one dress was purchased recently and there are a few I'm considering to buy.

Dresses that are loose though stylish such as a shift, shirt dress or drop waist are my summer staples. Furthermore, I wear these styles that are made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. This combination is the best way to dress when experiencing the summer time sauna like conditions when traveling in the New York City subway system, and also waiting outside for a bus!

Below are three dresses that caught my eye while researching on the internet. Each is stylish, looks comfortable and each could effortlessly take you through the day.

The first dress shown is by the contemporary brand Akris Punto. Known for clean silhouettes and high quality fabrics, it is part of the high-end Swiss luxury brand Akris. This beige dress is an eyelet embroidered long sleeve cotton poplin shirt dress with hidden buttons and a gorgeous flounced hemline.

I recently bought this dress at Nordstom and I am looking forward to wearing it. I was concerned the light color would get dirty quickly and hoped it was available in black or navy. Web searches did not turn up any other colors for this dress.

However, I decided the attractive color is one of the nice features of this dress. It is also a calming neutral, shade making the dress a "keeper". The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3daz58k5 The price is $1,490.

Of note, the Akris Punto website offers a dress with the same fabric in another silhouette. That dress is a sleeveless V-neck fit and flare style midi dress. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3s7w9nez The price is $1,590.

The second dress shown is by Lafayette 148. Founded in 1996 in New York City, Lafayette 148 is known for its luxurious fabrics, sophisticated designs and inclusive sizing. For summer dressing, this brand has been a favorite of mine for more than a decade.

I've worn a few different styles of Lafayette 148's black cotton poplin shirt dresses. My favorite one has an asymmetrical hemline and bought more than six years ago. (Honestly I've lost track of time. But once a great dress, always a great dress!) Though this hemline is not as popular as in previous years I still feel terrific wearing it.

The dress shown here is a gingham crinkle cotton and linen drop waist shirt dress. The black and white combination is polished and timeless. It is a versatile dress and would look great with different shoe styles and colors. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3mcd5xfw The price is $898.

The last dress is from the brand Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon. In an earlier post, “Embracing Pearls in Your Wardrobe” dated March 5, 2024 another pretty dress by Rickie Freeman by Teri Jon was presented. You now see I'm an admirer of the Teri Jon label!

The dress shown here is delightfully cheerful and bursting with beautiful vibrant colors. It is the floral print drop pleat dress.

I could not locate the composition of this dress on the company's website. Note the website states:"Fabric has some stretch" The fabric is not mentioned though. Yet based on the style and description, it looks to be a top notch dress for a summer day.

This dress would be a smart addition to my wardrobe as it would bring color to my summer closet of at least a dozen black dresses. It is under consideration along with a few others that are not shown in this post. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2wj59rtz  The price is $470.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather and wearing dresses that are looser fitting, stylish and comfortable. What types of clothes do you like wearing during the spring and summer? Would it be dresses?

ARE SHIRTS BECOMING THE NEW FASHION DESIGN?

Browsing for low heeled shoes on the internet I came across a unique and fun styled slingback. This Balenciaga shoe is named Knife Chemise 40 Slingback. The composition is soft nappa lambskin and stripe poplin (cotton and polyester.)

The striking feature is the shirt sleeves that are knotted on the top of the shoe. The shoe is white and the stripe is navy. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/jczdv8zz

Priced at $1,150, it also comes in solid black. Either option would be a great addition to an updated shoe wardrobe. The white pair means summer and the black pair would make for a fabulous monotone look for black outfits.

Last month, in one of my blog posts: “Spring Handbags – A Few Favorites” I included the Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie bag. This top handle printed lambskin bag looks like a cotton shirt with knotted sleeves. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3v7s94nz

Priced at $3,000 when wearing it, keep your clothes to the basics and make this Mini Jodie bag the focal point of your outfit.

It is interesting seeing both Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta embracing the knotted shirt in their designs. How did the knotted shirt become a design theme for both? Do you think it will be a theme for other designers, both luxury and lower priced brands?

STEPPING IN STYLE WITH STEVE MADDEN

Steve Madden's “Slinky” slide shoe was a popular style in the 1990's through the early 2000's. The Slinky was probably worn by many for years after that! The black platform shoe with a stretchy fabric running across the top of the foot became an icon. I had a pair, loved them, wore them often and since then wear Steve Madden shoes from time to time.

The Steven brand manufactured by Steve Madden was another brand I liked back then. At the time I thought this brand was positioned to be more upscale than Steve Madden. Yet, today I believe Steven is sold at off-price stores such as Nordstrom Rack and Gilt and has the name Steven New York associated with it. I don’t know if this is an ongoing brand and manufactured for the off-price distribution channel or it is being eliminated. My research hasn’t turned up anything about this name.

I recall favoring the “Steven” brand as one day in 2000 I unexpectedly met Steve Madden. I was staying at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach. While in the lobby picking up a newspaper and a few goodies and with my head down I heard a voice ask me “What brand shoes are you wearing?” I looked up and answered “The Steven brand by Steve Madden” The person asking immediately went to shake my hand and said “I’m Steve Madden.” We had a brief conversation and I then ran to tell my friend about the nice surprise in the lobby!

The iconic black Slinky has been back for some time. About five years ago it was re-introduced for a time in collaboration with Urban Outfitters, with it being available in black, pink, and green. Another reintroduction is the Slinky 30. I do not recall when it joined the line-up and it seems to enjoy wide ranging demand. It is available on Amazon in nine colors, a few options are listed on stevemadden.com and stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s sell it as well.

The Mary Jane style (A shoe with a strap across the top) shoes are popular for Spring 2024. Offered season after season, they are a classic. The surge in popularity in 2024 is because they are available in a range of fabrications, such as sheer, metallic, embellished and even with multi straps and sling backs. There is also an assortment of heights, ranging from flats, which are the most popular to those with heels. (e.g. Christian Louboutin offers a Mary Jane with a double strap and a two-inch heel and Manolo Blahnik offers a Mary Jane pump with a heel over three inches.)

I do not like the Mary Jane style for myself, the leading reasons being they typically have a round toe (I favor pointed toes) and I do not like straps across my feet. However, wanting to step up and join the trend, I searched and found a lovely interpretation. I recently purchased the Steve Madden Sarella style, a flat shown here in black leather. Please refer to top photo and photo below. I love the scrunch detail and pointed toes. Another favorite aspect is the thin tie strap across the top.

Fashionistas might point out this shoe is not a true Mary Jane as it lacks a wider strap. But it does have a strap across the top. It is amazing!  Sarella is also available in silver leather. Check them out here: https://tinyurl.com/ye2a7de5 

The Steve Madden brand is fast and right on the mark with identifying footwear trends and quickly arranges manufacturing (I believe this is so; but I do not have any insights into the Company’s business strategy and operations.) allowing shoppers to enjoy fresh styles, feel good and buy trending footwear at a reasonable price.

The Company is customer focused, not only at the corporate level, but also in the stores it operates. Each time I visit a Steve Madden store I am always impressed with the employees’ friendliness, patience and professionalism.

I don’t know if I will bump into Steve Madden while wearing these new shoes. If that should happen, I’d be glad telling him I’m wearing the Steve Madden brand and the Sarella style!