Most days, a bit of dichotomy is what keeps things interesting. A warm breeze on a cool day. A splash of salty and sweet. Stripes mixed with polka dots. As we’re in that glorious transition between cool and warm weather, I’m reaching for contrasts more than ever. I can’t help but crave mixed prints, cardigans and sundresses, and a bit of yin to my yang.
There’s the telltale warmth in the air that signals to me my favorite time of year is nearly here. Where winter is finally giving up her icy grip and surrendering to the inevitable Spring that has my sundresses quivering with excitement. Ohhh how I love this time of year – where the only thing required as I slip out the door is a cute cardigan and an arched eyebrow.
To help you navigate these transitional seasons, I’ve teamed up with vintage-inspired favorite Unique Vintage to review the Golightly Swing Dress and indulge in my very own Spring welcome party…
The Fit & Flare
As far as dresses go, the Golightly Swing Dress has all the bells and whistles – although I love florals and I love gingham, there’s something about them together that brings out the sassy in me. I loved the fitted bodice and adorable bow detail. The bustline is super flattering for those of us well endowed – I felt completely work-appropriate, with all hatches battened (so to speak), but knew that with a quick flick of my bolero and removal of the straps, this cutie would be ready for a summer evening on the town.
In terms of sizing, I went with my normal medium (US 6/8). I found this dress to run very true to size – it also has ruched panels on the side that help give it the perfect fit. Mine measured 33″ (unstretched) up to 36″ (stretched) at the bust and 26″ (unstretched) to 29″ (stretched) at the waist, which is right in line with the size chart. One of my favorite features was that the straps are removable (where the dress can be worn strapless), but they also have buttonhole attachments at varying lengths – long wasted ladies rejoice! I secured the buttons at the straps’ longest point, and my long torso happily welcomed her into the fold. I found the waistline hit me perfectly at the narrowest part of my waist and praised whoever is on the UV design team who decided to give us ladies some options. She also has pockets, which pretty much makes every girl in the world happy.
In terms of fabric, this dress is made out of a lovely lightweight 100% cotton gingham, covered in red embroidered roses in two different sizes all over the dress. The fabric itself has minimal stretch, though the smocked panels have plenty of give. She closes with a back zip and the bodice is lined, but not the skirt, falling 25″ from waist to hem. It hit a bit shorter than some of my other UV dresses, which left my trusted 26″ petticoat just peaking out.
I can easily see this being a ridiculously versatile dress – from strapped to strapless, or adding tights and a cardigan if it gets cool. The options are endless – and I am ALL about the options…
The Facts & Figures
The Black & white gingham roses print Golightly Swing Dress retails for $110 and is available from the Unique Vintage website. As with a lot of their sundress styles, this one comes in a range of sizes, from XS-XL and 1X-5X. UV also offers $7 flat rate shipping and FREE shipping for orders over $150. If gingham and roses aren’t your thing, I also noticed that this style comes in an adorable turquoise strawberry print that might already be on my wishlist…
In keeping with the spirit of dichotomy, I’m hoping to combine a bit of work and play this weekend – I have a stack of exams to grade, but hope to also make some more progress on my latest sewing project (which is coming along beautifully, if I do say so myself) and meet up with friends for Sunday dinner. I need my weekend to recharge, because the weeks have been so full, with very little time to catch my breath.
But, whenever I get those first whisps of Spring, I know that we’ve just rounded a very pivotal corner. Sure enough, far off into the distance, I can see the end of the semester ahead. It’s still a tiny spot on the horizon, but it’s definitely there. Spring has started to plant the seeds of summer sundresses and sunset strolls and lemonade, leaving behind the lists and the endless racing from place to place. It’s funny – I’m never any less busy in the summer, but there’s just something about the sunshine that brings forth the happy.
Cause life is no fun without contrasts…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o Unique Vintage
Bolero: Unique Vintage (similar)
Belt: From another dress (similar)
Handbag: c/o Lola von Rose
Shoes: Steve Madden (similar here & here)
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