FIMTSO: The Sundress

We’re having more rain than usual this year so I’m blaming the weather on my fashion block for the FIMTSO series. But today the sun came out and all was right in the world again. So let’s take a look at today’s test item, the sundress.

I have a few sundresses in my repertoire but I’m not quite in swimsuit shape yet–it’s been really tough getting back into my bootcamp workout since I got back from Europe in early January–so I chickened out from featuring one with prints on it. And since there’s really no way for me to magically work a sundress (unless it’s black) into a dressy event, I’ll just show you the three ways I’d re-invent the same dress and call it spring casual.

Test Item: Macy’s I.N.C. white cotton sundress with infinite pintuck pleats and spaghetti straps.

Look 1: this is what I call an easy Michelle Obama Special that anyone can pull off. I’ve mixed it with a navy JCrew lightweight cardigan, Alexander McQueen skull scarf, and Chanel navy/white flip flops.

Look 2: there’s nothing I love more than a leather jacket that has a bit of aviator/motorcycle/field vibe to it. That’s probably because in my head I wish I were a photojournalist on the war front. Too much Hemingway reading I suppose. Here I’m pairing the dress with a Banana Republic soft-like-buttah jacket and a pair of brown Prada crocodile high-heeled sandals. It’s manic, but if I’m to meet Jake Barnes I’d like to be in heels with an immaculate pedicure.

Look 3: Let’s say if instead of covering the news in 1920s Paris I’m in Pamplona, I’d probably switch out my leather jacket for a denim jacket. In this case, it’s the shrunken Bowery jacket from JCrew accompanied by a pale grey silk chiffon McQueen skull scarf. I’d keep the same shoes as in Look 2 because, well, Jake might still show up…

So this all begs the questio: who’s Jake Barnes?

April 6, 20100