Happy Tuesday! I hope the week has got off to a great start for you. I’m super busy at work this week so will need all the coffee 😉 I’m counting the weeks until my next getaway to France in July…fingers crossed for good weather!
This Finery grey shirt dress is my latest eBay purchase. I have quite a few pieces from Finery and I’ve always been really happy with the quality. As well as my favourite navy trousers (seen here and here), microdot trousers, a graffiti floral print dress I have another shirt dress. I find the fit true to size (unlike some brands that I mentioned in a recent post) so I can buy preloved items with confidence.
While I was watching this shirt dress I also had a jumpsuit in the same print on my list, but I figured I’d get more wear out of this shirt dress. In cooler weather I’ll wear it with tights, boots and a long cardigan, or layer it over jeans and a T-shirt as a duster jacket. The only thing I don’t like are the thin cotton belt loops – one has already snapped. I will remove them both to make it look neater. This will also give me the option of wearing different belts with it.
I was debating which shoes to team with the dress when I remembered that I have a pair of leopard print shoes with a white base colour. They were a pretty good match for the leopards in the print of the dress, but my goodness they were uncomfortable! Since last wearing them (which is maybe a couple of years ago) my feet have become very intolerant of pointy shoes! But then I had a lightbulb moment and realised my Calla Florence sandals would be perfect with this dress and my Modalu grey bag. I can’t describe how wonderful it was slipping my feet into these sandals after the discomfort of the other shoes!
I’m sure most of my readers have heard of Calla shoes by now, but in case you haven’t, they are made specifically for ladies with bunions. If only all shoes were this comfortable, they really are a treat for the feet! Last time I featured these sandals on the blog I wore them with grey and yellow (same bag too!).
After putting this outfit together I realised that I’m wearing no less than four second hand pieces: the dress, bag, ring and bangle. My new approach to clothes shopping is going fairly well; I’ve only bought one blouse, a few pairs of earrings and the round sunglasses (featured in the Ode to Iris Apfel post) new since I got back from holiday. Even Pete has noticed a dramatic reduction in the number of parcels arriving!
I’m trying really hard to make fewer, but more conscious purchases. The Good On You app is a great source of reference; I check brands’ ratings frequently on it. If you don’t want to download the app you can use the website instead. I was really surprised by some of the scores – it’s definitely changing the way I shop. But of course, the most eco-friendly form of shopping is to buy second hand. Finding a preloved bargain is much more fun than buying new. Plus it’s better for your finances and the environment!
SHOP THE LOOK
Finery grey shirt dress (old, but I’ve found a size 10 on Vestaire for £24) | Modalu bag (old, similar) | Calla Florence sandals c/o (on sale now but only a few sizes left) | Ottoman Hands ring (from eBay) | bangle from a charity shop | Sam Edelman sunglasses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.
Laura of I Do deClaire, Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace and Darlene of Aquamarina Style!
What a gorgeous dress! I adore the print and that cocktail ring is fabulous. thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much Kathrine!
What a great shirt dress!
Thanks Amy!
What a lovely dress, Emma! The print and the cut are super. The green earrings are the icing on the cake. xx
Thank you Lisa!
I really like the print of your dress!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Thanks Jennifer!
What a great dress, Emma! I love the shades of green. And I love a shirt dress for its versatility, too. those sandals are adorable!
Shelbee
http://WWW.SHELBEEONTHEEDGE.COM
Thanks so much Shelbee!
I’ve been eyeing up the Finery brand too. I will have a look on Ebay I think. The dress looks great on Emma xx
Thanks Laurie! It’s definitely worth a look on eBay. There’s a sale on the Finery website and Asos stock the brand too.
This dress is fabulous Emma. With all your secondhand things, you should join us in our #thriftedchicstylechallenge next week on Instagram!! You’d be perfect and there’s a great prize this month. My IG is @jtouchofstyle, and you can see the post in my feed with the specifics. Or DM me if you have questions if you’re interested!!
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks so much Jodie! I will try to remember to join in next week – I have to leave reminders in my diary otherwise I forget!
Emma you look gorgeous – the dress is beautiful. I’m off to check out the Good On You App now, I’ve never heard of it. I’m intrigued!
Suzy xxx
Thanks so much Suzy! There’s some really interesting articles on the app/website too. I enjoy reading about how different fabrics are made and how environmentally friendly (or not) they are.
such a very cool dress! I really like the unusual color combination and print.
Thank you Jennie!
This dress looks so good on you! The design and style of it is super duper cute!
Thanks so much Grace!
I love this dress on you! It was the right choice, and you’re right, it will look so cute with a long cardigan, etc., when it gets cooler. I’ve also noticed times when most of what I’m wearing is 2nd hand–it’s a fun “secret.” I’ll check out Finery and see if I can find anything…
Thanks Kimberly! I love telling people I’m wearing second hand stuff, more often than not they’re really surprised!
What a pretty print, and I love the green in it. i love cat eye glasses, so the sunnies are sweet! pretty shoes, the ruffle detail makes the sandal. i love shirtdresses as they are so versatile.
looking lovely emma!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks so much Jess!
This is cute, loving the shirt dress, they’re so stylish aren’t they! thanks for hosting too. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Thanks Jacqui! Yes, shirt dresses are very versatile and a classic style too!
I love this entire outfit. The print is stunning and the bag and shoes are classics 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2019/06/why-espadrille-flats-are-comfortable.html?m=1
What a fun outfit! I haven’t tried tjhat app but I do love hinting for pre-owned treasures 🙂 Also, thank you for the feature <3 You made my day!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
What a great dress! Can I sign up to get this as a hand-me down? Just kidding. You look stunning!
I absolutely love the green and grey together! It’s a beautiful print and gorgeous dress on you! Thank you so much for featuring my look from last week!
Emma, you do SUCH a good job buying second hand. that shirtdress is so cute. i love the muted background with the green–it just pops. and the shoes and bag are perfect. and thanks so much for featuring my photo! I am loving these wide leg jeans so much as they as so comfortable. my favorite fashion word! LOl!
have a wonderful week!
xx darlene
I love Calla shoes—in fact, I was wearing a pair today! They’re so comfy and look so polished too.
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
That is such a pretty shirt dress. Love the pattern
That dress looks so delicious on you! And the calla sandals are a perfect match. I used to buy a lot from Ebay- May start going back there. Great to see you back at #WowOnWednesday.
what a great dress, the colours are really fun together. And yea for second hand finds
Hi Emma,
You are gorgeous and your smile shows happiness. Your grey shirt dress is beautiful. You have beautiful hair color too. If you can style with Pewter charms necklace on this outfit, you may look different and collect positive vibe.
Thanks
Nani
Love the colors, never heard of the brand. I found a great second hand shop nearby where I also can sell my clothes! Win win right, l
I love the colors of this dress! Just beautiful!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net