Tropical Print Batwing Dress – the Natural Beauty of Madeira + Style With a Smile link up

November 5, 2019

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, São Vicente Madeira

There’s something bittersweet about editing holiday photos after you’ve returned home. On the one hand they capture wonderful memories, but on the other they remind us that we’re not there any more. Going away for October half term is a luxury of course, but I really feel the post-holiday blues when I comeback to the long, dark evenings. To make matters worse, my laptop has been a complete pain in the arse today. I’ve come very close to winging it across the garden several times.

For a while now I’ve had problems with WordPress – it keeps logging me out, and often not saving updates I’ve made. I’ve googled it but haven’t managed to find out how to fix it. It often prompts me to log in every few minutes, and the first attempt is always unsuccessful, even though the password is correct. If you’ve had similar issues and found a solution please let me know…it’s driving me crazy!

This tropical print batwing dress has been a holiday wardrobe staple for a number of years

Anyway, onto the outfit. Exactly a week ago I was exploring the natural beauty of Madeira – from the subterranean wonders to breathtaking views from the mountains. I wanted to be comfortable, but to wear something that reflected the colours of this charming island. This tropical print batwing dress has been a holiday wardrobe staple for a number of years. I think I paid £5 for it after spotting it on a final sale rail in Marks & Spencer. The pay-per-wear must be in the pennies, and it’s still as good as new! It doesn’t crease either 🙂

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, São Vicente Madeira

The São Vicente Caves

We started our day out at the São Vicente Caves, which were formed around 890,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. The lava ran down to the sea, cooling and solidifying the exterior, while the inner liquid and gases continued to flow inside. This formed the lava tubes that make up the caves. They were first explored in 1885 by English naturalist James Yate Johnson and have been open to the public since 1996.

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, São Vicente Madeira

The guided tour through the lava tubes takes approximately 30 minutes. Before entering the caves we watched a ten minute film about how the island was formed. That was followed by a short 3D film which was entertaining, but I can’t actually remember any of the information! I don’t have a science brain!

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, inside the São Vicente caves, Madeira

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, São Vicente Madeira

SHOP THE LOOK


Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Madeira

After the caves we stopped off for lunch with a fabulous sea view.

Madeira coastline

The lizards were having their lunch too!

Lizard sandwich anyone?

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Madeira

Taking a meandering drive across the island we happened upon this spectacular viewing point. It’s much colder up in the mountains than on lower ground – we were above the clouds!

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Madeira

Madeira mountains

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Madeira mountains in the clouds

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Madeira mountains in the clouds

Just as we were about to leave my stepmother suggested this shot; there wasn’t much behind me other than a sheer drop, but luckily I kept my balance despite the wind. The things I do for a good photo!

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Porto Moniz Madeira

Porto Moniz

It was much warmer in the sunshine at Porto Moniz. The natural sea water swimming pools which are made of volcanic rock look very inviting…something to remember for next time!

Porto Moniz Madeira

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Porto Moniz Madeira

Tropical Print Batwing Dress, Porto Moniz Madeira

First impressions of Madeira

From the moment I stepped out of the airport I was struck by the beauty of the island. Everywhere you look there are amazing views. The temperature is fairly constant – apparently it very rarely drops below 15c. While we were there the temperature was mostly in the mid 20s, and it only drops by a few degrees overnight. The people are so friendly, it feels safe and food isn’t expensive, which surprised me. I’ve got more about my trip to share with you, and we’ll certainly return before too long. Now that my Dad has an apartment in Funchal I’ve got the perfect excuse!

Have you visited Madeira? I’d love to hear your impressions of this Portuguese gem!

Emma and Isobel in Porto Moniz Madeira

Outfit details: Marks & Spencer dress (old) | Ribelle sandals (old) | bag from TKMaxx (old) | Emilio Pucci sunglasses

 

This is where I link up!

 

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.

 

Last week’s favourites were…

Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace, Rosemary of Distinctly Southern Style and Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust!

 


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17 responses to “Tropical Print Batwing Dress – the Natural Beauty of Madeira + Style With a Smile link up”

  1. This dress is stunning on you! I adore the colors and print. It’s so perfect for this destination. Thanks for sharing these pics!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  2. I can see why you love to take it on vacations! The bright colors are stunning and I love the fit!

  3. Laurie says:

    A great holiday dress. It doesn’t look like it will crease, it lovely and vibrant and looks really comfortable. I hope it’s not too bad for you coming home to drizzly Uk Emma! xx

  4. Cheryl Shops says:

    Looks like you’re having a fantastic vacation, lizards and all! 🙂
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

  5. Nancy says:

    I never been there but I love all Spanish slands. It looks very beautiful. And your dress is a perfect holiday one, so cheerful. I can’t help you work WordPress. Perhaps notify your server.

  6. Jacqui Berry says:

    The perfect dress for your holiday day trip. You look like you thoroughly enjoyed your time there, super photos Emma. Jacqui x

  7. What a fun dress, Emma! Perfect for this trip. And I love your little kitten necklace. These photos are gorgeous. Such a beautiful way to remember a wonderful vacation. As for WordPress, mine keeps failing to update and save, it gets stuck while saving until I have to shut it down and start over only to realize that nothing was actually saved. It is super frustrating. I don’t understand it either. As far as the having to log in frequently, I had that happen once and it turned out my website was hacked…and badly. I am not saying that is the case with you, but it was the first strange thing I noticed leading up to the full blown hack. So maybe check with your hosting service and make sure there is nothing suspicious on that end. Everything looks fine from this end as a reader, so it could just be some harmless glitch. Feel free to email me though if you have any questions.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  8. Amy Johnson says:

    Such beautiful photos and a beautiful dress!

  9. Darlene says:

    Wow! Your photos are beautiful and make me want to go to Madeira right now! That dress is perfect for that locale and is so great in the pictures. It looks stunning on you, Emma. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

    xx Darlene

  10. Ashley says:

    Such a fun vacation dress! I love to add some serious brights to my suitcase when I’m hitting the tropics!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  11. Ruth Josey says:

    Wow! Such gorgeous scenery! I love the “above-the-clouds” pictures. And your dress is so pretty – love the batwing styling. And I love that you were able to hold the lizard. I guess they get friendly when people feed them. Thanks so much for the link-up, too!

    Ruth
    https://voguefauxreal.com/2019/11/05/

  12. What stunning pictures of your trip Emma! I love the colors and your vibrant dress ! No wonder its a favorite, I love the peacock patter. I love liszrds, so the picture was really neat, at first glance the one pic looks like its breathing fire! Love the one of you showing off your sleeves!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish
    thanks for linking!

  13. I forgot to add those caves look so neat! I would love to see that!
    jess xx

  14. Jalisa says:

    Wow, what a beautiful dress! The colors and pattern are so gorgeous and different. It looks stunning on you!

    Xo,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

  15. Michelle says:

    You look fantastic in that fabulous dress! The colors are so vibrant, and it’s a great design. Looks like a great holiday!

  16. Jill says:

    That is the perfect vacation dress! Love the print! Your photos are beautiful!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  17. Sara says:

    Such a beautiful dress. I love this print! Have a great day.
    https://chicchedimamma.com/

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