Beating the Heat (Part III): Dark Blue Silk

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Can it be that August is here already? That means . . . the year is over! And I still have so much to do.

 
 
Things like . . .

  • sharing all of the wisdom in my head regarding dressing for hot weather;
  • setting goals for 2016;
  • achieving goals for 2016.
Did you realize the year is over?
Did you not realize that the year is essentially over?

But first we relax
But first we relax
So much to do. But first, we relax.
 
This has long been my motto. Facing a daunting task? Why not have a cup of cocoa first? It’s not like it’s going to make the difference between getting the job done and not getting the job done. And it might put you in a better frame of mind.
 
NB: Cocoa is for the cold weather months. In the summer, replace “cocoa” with “ice cream.”

 
 
Here I am relaxing.
 
Tap, tap, tap.
Relaxing
Queen Victoria appears to be waiting for ice cream

My slip dress
My slip dress
 
 
Now we spring into action.
 
Several weeks ago, I had an idea: to layer a colorful slip-dress under a white shirtdress. To test my idea, I ordered a couple of slip-dresses, which I wound up liking as much as, if not more than, the shirtdress that provoked the idea.
 
A slip-dress can’t be worn on its own to work, so I’ve combined this one with an ultra-light cashmere shell.

 
 
This slip-dress is made from a printed, ink-colored silk. Such a compelling blue. The printing is interesting — it combines two different patterns. On the front, the left half is a foulard and the right half is small dots. The back of the dress is similarly bifurcated: half checks, half paisley. You may have to click on the photo to enlarge the image so that you can appreciate the details I am describing.
 
The cut of this dress is very full, so the cashmere shell is actually constraining the dress, cinching the waist, and giving it a pretty dirndl shape. The sides of the dress are slit (to mid-thigh), which gives the skirt lovely movement.
Wisdom
Tempest-toss’d slip dress (there is a slight breeze)

 
 
Here, a hint of side slits is visible.
 
Notwithstanding the volume of the skirt, this dress is weightless and floaty, which are two excellent qualities in the heat.
Slightly unflattering side view
I told you that there was a lot of fabric in this dress

 
 
I thought some tough (slightly tough) sandals would be nice. These gladiator style sandals have height (a platform!) and shine (patent leather!). I have a hunch that these sandals will be useful in years to come.
shoes
Patent leather, gladiator sandals: They’ll go with everything!

hot
I am dying in this photo; not a professional model
 
 
In case you are wondering where these photos were taken: we are at the beach.
 
In his continuing efforts to make this the most truthful blog on the Internet, The Photographer made me come down to the beach for pictures.

Unfortunately, even at 5:00 p.m., it was still boiling hot and the angle of the sun felt punitive rather than gentle. So, only a few quick snaps on the sand before returning to the cool sanctuary of the garden.

Dress: Helmut Lang Scarf-Print Silk Slip Dress; Sweater: JCrew Featherweight Cashmere Shell; Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Shoes: Donald J. Pliner Fritz Sandal; Necklace: Samira 13

4 thoughts on “Beating the Heat (Part III): Dark Blue Silk”

  2. The two together work and the skirt is truly pretty with the languid fall and movement. It looks cool and of course, the slip dress needed the clever shell. Shoes are also distinctive and airy. Platforms elevate (no pun intended) the whole look. Well, okay, maybe I did intend the pun. Kate

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