How To Style a Red Midi Dress With Ruffles? Summer in the City

Before I focus on fashion aspect of this post and start to talk volumes about this gorgeous coral red dress, I'm going to give you a little health update and explain my absence. Unfortunately, recovering from a  failed thyroplasty implant surgery is taking longer than I expected. To add insult to injury, I was feverish for the last few days. It seems that I have also caught a bad cold, and that is probably why I was feeling so dreadful last week. It's just my luck, to catch a cold during my first postoperative week. This morning I have finally felt a bit better (yessss!), and I went to see another doctor who told me that I was not a good candidate for this surgery but what is done is done. No point in crying over spoiled milk. Now I should really focus on recovering and getting better. Even if I decide on it, another operation will have to wait a few months. It might all sound like a complete catastrophe, but I'm a firm believer that we can and should learn from every experience and I have certainty learned a few good lessons from this unpleasant experience. One of them is to always be grateful for what we have, even if it is something as simple as having a moment to stop and  admire beautiful blossoms.

On the upper side, I managed to get some reading done, six books to be more precise. If you try, you can always find some positive in the negative, right? In the last two weeks, I read Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck, Her Lover by Maksim Gorky, Black Spring by Henry Miller, The Brethren by John Grisham, Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes and Lazarus by Leonid N. Andreyev.  Among these six books, only two stole my hearth. However, these two were so good that they could make hospitalization worth while. Do you want to know which two I liked so much? Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck and Lazarus by Leonid N. Andreyev. I will have to talk more about these two works in the future, because I feel they have already had such a major influence on me, and it's only been about a week since I read them.


I want to (warmly) recommend Pavilion of Women to you. It's a novel by Nobel prize winning USA writer Pearl S. Buck. It's an amazingly profound book, full of subtle meaning and well rounded characters. I can easy recommend it as one of the best novels I have ever read! I was so touched while I was reading it, that I got teary eyed. Hadn't I been in the public, I would have cried. At the same time, it's such a comforting novel. On the other hand, I'm not sure how to recommend Lazarus, a short story by an acclaimed Russian writer Leonid N. Andreyev. I'm not a fan of horror, I never read it, but I absolutely loved this.  Lazarus has to be the best horror story ever written. Perhaps it is unjust to call it horror? It's a philosophical story, but one that can make your blood run cold. It might not be everyone, but God the writing is absolutely brilliant and it is unlike anything that I have ever read before- coming from a bookworm it has to mean something!



Aaaaaand now I'm ready to talk fashion. Ruffles, ruffles....what is better than a dress with ruffles? Maybe a dress with ruffles and fringes? I feel like this midi is such a statement dress. First of all, its coral red colour. Isn't it so eye-catching? This dress was actually an unplanned purchase. While I was strolling the city with my significant other, he saw a friend of his (who is a shop owner) and we stopped for a chat. Long story short, she pulled this dress out and said that this is THE dress for me, because coral red is my colour. Who am I to contradicting her, right? So, I tried on the dress. My husband was all thumbs up, so I had to buy it, but I did like it as well, just as much as he did. Besides the colour, which is utterly gorgeous, I like both the cut and the design of this dress. A midi dress with bare shoulders, high neck, ruffles and fringes? Sign me in! Isn't it fabulous when you find that one item that embodies all the things you love. I'm crazy about ruffles and fringes, I love statement sleeves and midi length. This really is THE dress for me. I can't wait to think of other ways to style it!







The way I ended up styling this red midi dress was with this tote bag from by redbubble shop. I ordered it to make sure that the quality of their merchandise is satisfactory since I opened a shop with them and all, but I liked this bag so much that I ended up wearing it all the time. Besides, I thought it might be fun to wear a tote bag with a dress that is this glam because it is not the first thing that comes to mind. My outfit proposal of the way is all about city styling. I wore this dress for a walk, hence I paired it with sandals that are comfortable enough. To complete the look,  I choose a statement turquoise necklace. I would say that turquoise matches coral red nicely. I wondered whether this necklace was too much, since this dress is loud enough on its own, but I think they actually match nicely. A statement dress worn with a statement necklace? Why not? It's summer, after all. When are we going to get playful with fashion if not during the summer?







Speaking of summer, what is your opinion about summer in the city? Are you the kind that is counting the days until your summer getaway and far away vacation, dreaming of lonely islands, isolated beaches, natural parks and mountains, or are you content to spend the summer in the city you live in? I was just talking with my uncle the other day, and he said how many young people are actually refusing to leave the city they live in during summer because there are so many activities, festivals and exhibitions going on during this period. Friends of his have a summer house at the Adriatic coast but their kids won't go near it because the city life is too interesting at the moment. So, there you go! Even if you're stuck in the city for the summer (like myself), it's not the end of the world. You can still enjoy summer. For me personally, it doesn't matter that much where I am. I'm a summer lover. As long as I'm not in a hospital, it's all good. I would hate to spent another summer in the hospital (like I did last year). Fingers crossed it doesn't happen this year. Yes, I'm very content to stroll the streets and enjoy that summer warmth. I do my best to stay away from the sun, as I realized that too much sun exposure  makes me feel tired and drained. I love summer, but I do my walks either early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Night is a lovely time for summer walks as well. 








How are you spending your summer? Are you using it to spend more time outdoors? Are you the type that typically reads more during summer? I typically enjoy reading no matter the season, but summer reading can be very sweet. That mental picture of an oversize straw hat, a cocktail and a good book comes to mind immediately once we think of summer, doesn't it? There is something very comforting about reading outdoors. You feel yourself prepared to tackle even the most depressive of the great classical books. One thing that makes me happy is knowing that I can pick up one of my favourite books and reread it. Literature is truly such a comfort. You know, I've been thinking about parallels between fashion and clothes. There are more of them than we sometimes realize. Sometimes I feel like fashion is, like literature, all about telling stories. All our clothes have a story to tell. About ourselves, about themselves, about the time and the context we live in. It's all very interesting, isn't it? Art and fashion are a lot alike. They are about expressing ourselves, but they are also about interaction. 



I have already presented this tote bag in this outfit post, but here is a closer view of it. If you scroll down, you'll be able to see positioned next to my illustrations. It's fun how an illustration can turn into a design. Fashion and art can be so interconnected! I feel like I'm learning more about links between these two every day. Unless I'm mistaken, I drew this illustration last summer. Who knew it can be turned into a cute tote bag print? I mentioned earlier that I've been wearing this bag non stop. Well, despite of that, recently I have gifted it to my aunt. I though it would be cool if I gave her something that had my drawing on it. That made me realize that I could use my art to give personalized gifts to people. It's cool there are online shops specialized for that, but I would also like to contact some local manufacturers. I know there are t-shirt shops where you can have your ideas printed on a t-shirt, so I might try ordering some t-shirts that way. It just seems like a cute gift idea. Naturally, I gift my art often enough, but sooner or later my family and friends are going to ran out of wall space, so this is a good alternative, I would say. 





That would be all for today.  As always thank you for reading. Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo


OUTFIT :
Dress: no name (slightly similar options here and here)
Sandals: no name (pretty similar option here)
Bag: here
Necklace: online shop





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Comments

  1. Woow you look amazing :D


    grlfashion.blogspot.com

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  2. I'm sorry to hear you've had a cold lovely, however, I'm glad to hear that you're on the road to recovery. I too am a firm believer that we learn from our experiences, whatever you decide in terms of surgery I'm sure you'll make the choice that seems best and right for you. I adore the layering affect/collages you've done with these photos. So, so clever. I also like how you've added the comic effect. This is so creative and I've never seen anyone do this before. Did you do those fashion sketches because they are phenomenal! They look like sketches by Oscar De La Renta :)

    www.beingisabella.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much, and yes they are my illustrations!

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  3. Mi dispiace tanto per i tuoi problemi di salute, Ivana... Però da quello che rieco ad intuire mi pare che tu sia una ragazza bella tosta e che non ti ti faccia abbattere facilmente dai momenti negativi! Bravissima, così si fa!!!
    Ciò non toglie che ti auguro con tutto il cuore che tutto si risolva al più presto e per il meglio!
    Quanto al vestito, il tuo amico ha detto bene, sembra fatto apposta per te! Il rosso ti dona tantissimo e quel taglio ti sta una meraviglia! Sei proprio bella!
    Baci!
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  4. You look so perfect in this bodycon dress my dear! I love contrast detail in the form of your necklace:-) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  5. That dress fits so well , you are giving me some body goals right there. Am so sorry about the hard time that you've been going through. I wish you quick recorvery and sending kisses and lots of love your way. Stay Strong

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  6. Your dress is beautiful - your friend was right, it's a lovely colour on you!
    I'm sorry to hear your recovery has been so tricky though - hope you're back to normal again soon!

    Hope that you have a great weekend ahead of you and you can enjoy some more summer weather :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  7. Predivna haljina i odlicno ti stoji. Dopada mi se i nakit!

    Kathy's delight

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  8. I'm so sad to hear about your failed implant surgery and at the same time so happy that you are recovering well and making the most of the summer.

    you look stunning in this dress. red most definitely suits you xx

    https://www.elegantduchess.com/

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  9. Oh, WOW, dearest Ivana - that's a great dress! You look fabulous in it and I love the combination of red an turquoise (it's so Frida-Kahlo-like ;-)) Your bag is very pretty, too!
    Hugs from here, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2018/07/anl-31-loblied-auf-ein-feines-fruchtchen.html

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  10. Ivana you look drop dead gorgeous <3 the red midi dress fits you perfectly <3

    Serene XO

    http://www.surrealserene.com

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  11. Dear Ivana, so sorry you got after the surgery this bad cold and you didn't feel well. I'm so impressed that you never lose your positive attitude and that you never give up! Kudos to you <3 And how good your husband knows this shop owner as I agree that this red dress is perfect for you. I love how you have styled it and it was a fantastic idea to combine it with the statement necklace and the cool statement bag. I'm convinced the other combinations you plan are also fantastic! About your favourite books I think I read the book from Pearl S. Buck a very long time ago and I was also touched and very happy that I have read this book. Like you I think reading is very comforting and I can't imagine life without reading. For sure I enjoy summer - this year the summer in Bavaria is even more fantastic as usual. I spend a lot of time outside (even more as usual) and as far as possible I try also to read outside (but this is not always possible as there is garden - I just collected a huge bucket with slugs -, family and yes, work :) ).
    Hopefully you will recover soon, dear Ivana!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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    Replies
    1. So lovely you liked Pearl S. Buck too! I can't wait to read more of her. Spending time outdoors is always wonderful, but perhaps especially so in the summer.

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  12. This dress is a BOMB! You look gorgeous beyond words, and I agree - it is very much your color!
    I've read Andreyev, though I can't remember the titles, but he is a talented writer indeed. Glad that you enjoyed! Two books that you loved out of 5 or 6 is a pretty high number!
    Take a good care of yourself, dear Ivana! You are magic - if you forget it (sometimes we do), just look at thee photos!! :)
    With love, Natalia
    <3

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    Replies
    1. I can't wait to read more of Andreyev, I'm hooked. Thank you for your sweet comment, right now I look more like the bride of Frankenstein!

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  13. You styled this dress so well and it looks so good with the necklace. I am sorry to hear about your failed surgery but I am glad that you are feeling better now. I agree with you on the fact that we learn from our experiences and I think that your view on life is absolutely amazing. Most people just take beautiful blossoms for granted but after a experience like that we really learn to appreiciate the little things!

    http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/

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    Replies
    1. it is true, learning to appreciate little things makes such a difference!

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  14. It's a beautiful dress in a lovely color! As I don't have many holidays I will travel with my family and not too far this year ;) Happy Sunday xx

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/07/20/back-in-time/

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    Replies
    1. spending time with family is always the best thing to do!

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  15. red color is your color! so nice and lovely on you!

    http://evgphotos.com/2018/07/22/paris-in-kharkiv/

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  16. I'm sorry to hear you caught a cold on top of everything and I hope you're feeling better. It is most important that you concentrate on your recovery right now and I wish you the best. The color and silhouette of this dress are really pretty on you and your necklace is a gorgeous accent. I quite enjoy summer in the city as it's always more laid back and there's always something going on. We have a really cool pier that recently opened up by us and we'll be going to a concert there next week.

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    Replies
    1. that's exactly the kind of thing I enjoy about summer in the city. Concerts in the summer are the best.

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  17. I'm really, truly sorry to hear about your health right now Ivana - please make sure to treat yourself very, very kindly and treat yourself to keep your spirits up until this is all sorted out! :) On a brighter note, you look SO lovely in this red dress - a wonderful vision of summer! Hope this week improves for you darling...

    aglassofice.com x

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    Replies
    1. thank you Gabrielle. Things are looking up:)

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  18. Amazing outfit, I love your dress! xx

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  19. I'm so sorry that your surgery has not been successful and that it wasn't right for you in the first place, that is rotten but you are being philosophically positive about it so that is good.
    You absolutely had to buy that dress- it looks soooooooooooo good on you! Seriously. The colour and shape is fab and I think the turquoise jewellery is a good choice.
    It's nice that you can get your artwork printed onto things- how nice to give it to your aunt.
    I love Summer reading but I also do a lot in the Winter too- I have 2 hours on the train a day so I get a lot done (as well as reading blogs!) The books you mentioned sound good.
    I am a little bit stuck in my ways with reading- I DO love a good Whodunnit though I do make myself read the odd other things!

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    Replies
    1. thank you. When it comes to reading, it is definitely good to spice things up a little bit. I promised myself to read more non fiction this year, but I wasn't able to follow up on that promise.

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  20. P.S. I would definitely prefer to get out the city in the Summer!

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