An embarrassment of riches! Two posts in 48 hours. And two outfits + multiple ideas (though no new clothes) in each post!
You’ve seen this dress — the Somerset from Anthropologie — before.
The Somerset seems to have become a rich product line for Anthropologie, practically a store-within-the-store. It started as a universally flattering, patterned maxi dress. Then came a shorter option (mini-dress), then more fabric selections for both (linen, cotton, silk, patterned, solids), and most recently a skirt and mini-skirt. There is even Faux Leather Somerset. The mind boggles. The one thing Anthro has not offered, which to my mind would be an obvious best-seller, is a knee-length option. I made my knee-length dress (Fatima made knee-length dress) from a maxi-dress.
But the point of this post is not to prove, yet again, that more clothing manufacturers should consult with me. The point here is to show you a smart combination that I saw on Instagram and adapted within my own closet: a summer dress in black with white sandals.
This woman looks fantastic! Not me. Danielle Jinadu. I love the shape of her dress — the close fitting bodice and bell-shaped midi-skirt. One small observation about what might make this combination work well: the sandals are a soft white, rather than pure white, and the soles are black.
On to other business: the necklace!
I found this Karen Gilbert piece at Jewelers Werk last winter. Three glass bubbles strung on a chain of long, thin silver tubes. It’s spare and elegant.
You may need to come a little closer to see what I mean.
One other idea that we’ve discussed before: layering one dress over another.
You may recognize these? A Sacai shirtdress and a Helmut Lang slip dress? I previously wore the slipdress with a lightweight sweater and with a Jil Sander dress layered over it.
I loved the fabric of the slipdress, but the cut was voluminous. Fatima trimmed it down substantially and now it fits like a bias cut slip. Much better for layering purposes!
I’m not saying this shirtdress is the most flattering thing I own, but I do love it.
Why? Well, it is made with beautiful, subtle details — like the tuxedo bib, the precise cap sleeves, the voluminous pleated back that cinches with a grosgrain belt.
It has a certain something.
First black dress: the ubiqitous Somerset Dress by Anthropologie (no link needed; the Somerset dress will find you); White sandals: Dr. Martens Nartilla Gladiator Sandals (on sale!); Second black dress: Sacai from The RealReal; Blue slipdress: Helmut Lang Foulard Print Slip Dress (a quick search showed one on Poshmark); Black sandals: Wonders
Karen Gilbert’s work is available at several galleries (with on-line shops) around the country: Ombre Gallery in Cincinnati, Shibumi Gallery in Berkeley, and Gallery 360 in Minneapolis
Two posts in one week? What a treat! Gorgeous necklace. Love what you and Fatima did with the Somerset dress.
I’m channeling you Directrice – this was my summer for black dresses too! Different weights, different styles, but all in black. I rationalized my choice by citing you.
The bubble necklace is so delicate! I also enjoy the layered dresses. Navy with black is lovely.
Hooray for layering, and weather that accommodates it! Great combo of black and blue.