The Vacation Dress

"I relax and fully experience life."

One pattern I've noticed over the years is that I have a tendency to shop for a life I imagine more so than a life I have. Case in point, this dress, sitting in my closet new with the tags on for over two years. The perfect dress for a beach vacation, I thought at the time. While I was right, it took quite a bit of time for the stars to align and for this dress to get to the beach.

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The Rundown
Striped Maxi Dress Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar
Sandals "Glorious" Franco Sarto via DSW similar
Earrings Wendy Mink
Beaded Bracelet Alex & Ani
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar




and

19 comments

  1. This dress is so beautiful on you! With all the pretty brights, it's definitely the perfect beach dress!

    By Lauren M

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  2. You are such a doll! I absolutely love these colors to pieces! I hope you'll come over and link up this gorgeous dress and your beautiful smile!

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  3. Well...at least you finally got the perfect chance to wear it, Lydia!!
    And you're right---it's the epitome of beach wear!
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  4. What an amazingly adorable and springy look! The stripes are so flattering, too.

    alyson
    www.themodernsavvy.com

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  5. I'm so glad this dress finally got to have its (literal!) day in the sun, because you were totally right about it, even if it was two years ago - it's the perfect dress for a beach vacation. The vibrant colours suit you perfectly and, admittedly, I love the way your lipstick coordinates with them, too. (I am a sucker for matching, what can I say?) But I have to admit that I think your bamboo bag is my favourite part of this look, I can't think of a better place to carry one than Miami!
    xox,
    Cee

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  6. This dress is amazing on you!!!
    have a lovely week
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: YELLOW JUMPER & BOXER BRAIDS
    DON'T MISS: DENIM & LACE

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  7. Love that dress!! Wooohoo for it finally having somewhere to be worn! I'm having that kind of moment with a crazy printed jumpsuit. But I bought it with the intention to wear in Italy, so it's time is coming! (unless i feel it's too outlandish and have my mom turn it into pants instead, haha!)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  8. That dress is totally perfect for a beach vacation...even if you had to sit on it for a while before it came into service. It's really lovely and vibrant.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  9. Such a pretty dress Lydia, besides you can also wear it this upcoming summer.
    Well, you know I relate to purchasing items that do not fit my life style.. then again we can flip it positively:
    plant two trees so you can hang a hammock or buy a land mower before having a back yard. You will eventually get there, like you did today :)

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  10. Love your dress! It definitely makes me get excited for vacation time! And I love that bag!

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  11. That rainbow beauty is the perfect beach maxi and that bamboo purse is the perfect beach bag too. I am glad you kept your jewelry minimal here and let the pretty dress shine!


    Enjoy your Wednesday and welcome by tomorrow and linkup with me darling. Share your awesome style with me and my readers. Thanks, Ada. =)

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  12. LOL I often shop the same way. I have really been trying not to lately because now that I stay home part time with our little girl and date nights are far less frequent, it's really gotten impractical. I am so glad you got the opportunity to wear this dress because it is beautiful!

    Oh, and my hat on today's post was originally from Forever21. They are my go-to for cute hats! I couldn't find a similar one on their site now though. :(

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  13. Glad you finally got to wear it! I love the gorgeous bright colors and stripes!

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  14. That is the perfect vacation dress! The bag looks great too.
    http://tresfly.blogspot.com/

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  15. That is the perfect beach vacation dress! Love the colorful stripes! That bag is so cute!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  16. I love this dress! Definitely perfect for vacation!

    xo,
    Angela

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  17. That dress (and/or the beach!) really work for you as you are stunning in these photos - even more so than usual :)

    I used to do the same with my wardrobe, my buying habits didn't reflect the life I was living, so that's when I made my "have to wear it twice in the month I buy it" rule. It seems to be working, with only a handful of exceptions over the years. Of course I'm now trying to make sure I continue to wear things and not toss them aside when I get new things, ha! It's a tricky thing to master your wardorobe I think!


    Hope you are having a really good week.

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  18. I am so glad that your lovely dress eventually came out to play. I am much like you. I have so many things in my closet that I have bought and never worn, only for them to come in useful years down the track

    Adrianna | http://mimamochi.com/

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  19. stunning dress! Those colors are superb and sooo bright! LOVE IT!

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

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