Holy moly it’s hot here in the UK right now! Temperatures have hit the high 30s in the North West and could reach 42c in the East tomorrow! That’s Abu Dhabi temperatures! It is actually quite concerning and maybe a glimpse of what’s to come if the planet continues to heat up. Unlike countries that experience weather this hot on a regular basis, we’re just not equipped to deal with it here; many homes, work places and schools don’t have air con. I didn’t have a car with air con until last year – I think I would have melted in my old Honda in this heat!
I do like hot weather though…but only when I don’t have to do much. Isobel persuaded me to buy an 8ft paddling pool, which I’ve got to admit, seems like a wise move right now (although I might change my mind when the water bill comes in!). We’ve got the hammock and the BBQ out, so it feels like a holiday at home. (Taking the time to decide on the right combination from the selection of hammocks and hammock stands available is worth it if you want to get the most use from them). What better way to enjoy the hot weather at home than with a garden party? That’s the theme I chose for this month’s Thrifty Six post.
Something light and flowing but not too “beachy” is ideal attire for a garden party. This Fabienne Chapot maxi dress fits the bill with its long skirt and fun peach print. I mentioned in last month’s Style Not Age post how I’ve collected a few pieces in this print. This maxi dress is the latest addition to my collection. I also have the midi length version as well as the skirt, plus the blouse and short sleeve top. I prefer fruit prints over florals for summer, they feel more tropical and therefore suited to the hot weather.
My hair never behaves in the heat so I like to tie it back and wear a hat or headband. It’s been so long since I had my hair cut that I can easily wear it in a ponytail now. I can’t wait to get a good trim, hopefully in a couple of weeks. When it’s this hot I like to wash it and tie it back wet to stay cool. A stylish sun hat covers a multitude of sins! (It helps prevent sun damage and colour fade too). When my hair’s tied back I love to wear statement earrings because usually my hair covers them up. Rather than use my big peach motif bag that matches the dress, I chose this fun peach bag from SkinnyDip. I love their quirky designs, especially the fruity ones; I have lemon, coconut, pineapple and watermelon bags too!
SHOP THE LOOK
Fabienne Chapot dress (from Vinted) | hat from White Ribbon Boutique | SkinnyDip London bag | Roberto Cavalli sunglasses
“Sipping Champagne in suburbia…
Sundays in high summer, bubbles from a crystal flute, a fleeting air of sophistication…
…that’s what ‘Garden Party’ means to me.
It’s The Thrifty Six theme for July so I’m glamming it up in candyfloss coloured silk!
This ‘pretty-as-a-picture’ vintage outfit, embellished with a flurry of pink accessories is perfect for any alfresco soirée!”
“I thrifted this dress during my semester abroad in Scotland because I needed something springy for the Scottish Country Dancing ball, and this fit-and-flare was the perfect piece! I love the more subtle colors, and I think all this garden party dress is missing is my thrifted nude fascinator.”
“My look started out with my go-to- LV scarf I got in St-Germain-des-Pres, Paris ten years ago. Decided to style it up with this lovely sheer Desigual dress I found in the coverup section of my favourite charity shop. And if there was ever a match made in heaven, I also found earrings there, that made it look like a complete set! A very old, but much loved LV purse accompanied the look- and I was ready for a garden party!”
“Hey, you know me! I love to wear black! But to be honest I had something else in mind for a garden party, which I actually had but it rained all day so had to wear something warm and arms and legs covered. And then I watched a video of Carla Rockmore and she wore a similar dress as inspiration for a garden party. So if Carla Rockmore says it’s okay to wear black, who am I not to listen!
“I love when the Paddock Mansion gardens at the Jefferson County Historical Society are in full bloom. It is such a peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy life and the perfect location for a garden party. So I donned a newly thrifted dress in a bold floral print and added lots of gorgeous green including the preloved scarf that accessorized my new summer straw hat and off I went for a garden party that included me and my husband and my cell phone camera!”
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Dear, you are always so elegant. And I have to admit your good taste in accessories as well as your clothing. You can always match them in an amazing look. I love it so much ~
Such a cute print!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
You look fabulous darling! Stay cool. Suzi x
Aw, Emma, I love when you wear peach prints! It is so adorable and what a fun dress. Your hat is wonderful, too, and the beach bag is so darn cute! What a fabulous outfit for a garden party. Stay cool, my friend. It is heating up everywhere to very uncomfortable temperatures.
Shelbee
Perfect!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com