I was not at all sure about the “cold shoulder” trend at the beginning of the season. A bit too gimmicky. I doubted that it would be flattering. Some of you may still think this and that’s fine. However just before I came down to the South of France I realised that I was short of a cool cotton dress. One that I could just pop on and go. I had my tried and trusted linens already down there in my wardrobe. However they were beginning to look a little tired. I searched and searched and finally found the above dress at MarksandSpencer.
Did I keep it or not …….
I fully expected to try it on and send it back immediately, which I very nearly did. It had two great big bows on each shoulder. Definitely a “no”. Then I thought what if I untie the bows and tie the extra fabric into a knot at the front. I then cut off the extra fabric. Et Voila! Much better. The dress is a keeper. There are still a couple of sizes left at the reasonable price of £45. The bracelets I am wearing are from the local market. See my selection here and here.
I have added some pearl earrings and a rope of pearls to lift the look. Similar available at Etsy. Pearl earrings and necklaces.
All the photos were taken by my friend Dee in our pretty Provençal village.
In the first couple of images I am wearing a pair of blue thong sandals. Here I have swapped them for a more chunky pair of Birkenstocks style sandals.
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Brilliant! Wow, I love what you did to it! Enjoy St. Remy….we were in my beloved Provence in May and June, and I miss it so.
You’ve totally made that dress your own. Love what you did there
What a cute dress! Looks cool and comfortable.
Perfect way to make a trend a classic!-Laurel
What a wonderful mini-transformation! It looks fabulous on you: very young looking (should one say that, or not???) You look terrific, in any case!
I love the look on you. I just hesitate because I’m not sure this is “work appropriate”. I will be glad when I retire and those words don’t dictate my wardrobe any more!
You are probably right Janis. Although it is dependant on the work environment. I see young girls in the creative industries wearing this look.
I felt the same way as you did–thought cold shoulder would soon pass on, but this one is different and I like it. Just don’t give me the “cold shoulder” in a sweater! It’s nonsensical.
I agree about the sweaters. I think you need a very light tan for this look to work.
You look great in the navy dress! I have also been leary of the cold shoulder style but it is working for you. Love the village photos too.
Love the pearls!
Liv
http://livforstyle.net
Love the dress transformation Josephine
Excellent idea to modify the bows
What a difference
Love the look
I would never have bought this dress with bows , much better now . M&S should copy your styling – perhaps that’s why they are in the doldrums ?
Brilliant idea! You’ve totally transformed the look into something of your own, and I love it!
Clever Josephine, very clever and indeed much better than the original. I was very tempted to order it for myself, especially at that price. They didn’t have a 14 in stock anymore, but I bet a 12 would have been good too. Then I realized I have many dresses in my wardrobe which I need to wear for a change. Summer is already advanced and in The Netherlands we don’t often have summers with hot weather as we did this year. So I didn’t, but it was tempting. Oh, and I added you to my blogread list. Finally… I am a bit slow in these things. Forgive me.
Greetje
Hi Greetje
The dress does come up large so I am sure that a 12 would have been OK on you. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll. That reminds me that I need to update mine.