Get Trendy with an Off the Shoulder Dress

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 4:30 AM

Happy May!! I am so excited it is finally May!
Everything is in bloom and with the days warmer and longer I find myself in my happy place. 

I have never been one for obeying fashion rules, especially the archaic rules:

1. No white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day

2. Navy and black can not be worn together

3. Don't mix prints

Just to name a few.  
There are however a few rules I like to live by.

1. Know your body
 I know I have a larger chest than most. If there is a look that means you are unable to wear a bra, I am sh*t out of luck. Meaning, no backless, deep cut, or large arm holes.

2. Just because something is trendy, does not mean it is right for you.
look for a explanation below

So when the off the shoulder trend became popular I was very hesitant. I am better with a 'cold shoulder' look, because it is easier to wear a bra, however when I saw this Aritzia off the shoulder dress on sale, it was a no brainer (It has since gone back up to the regular price).  The colors remind me of a Monet painting, soft and beautiful.  Loose fitting and comfortable, it is perfect for a Spring or Summer day.  

The reality:
  This dress is made for a lunch with girl friends, possibly a derby party, but for sure some place you will be holding a clutch sipping a glass of wine all while being calm, cool, and collected.  
By that I mean not using your arms in any large capacity.
Around Saint Patrick's day I mentioned I was half Irish, not sure if I have mentioned that I am also Italian/Sicilian, which means... you guessed it, it is almost impossible for me to speak without grand gestures and arms- a-flailing.  While this dress is absolutely beautiful, I felt almost like I was in a straight jacket, unable to fully convey my thoughts with my arms tied down. 
To come full circle, this stunning off the shoulder dress would be more appropriate for lovely, mild mannered, more subdued, lady like types, not so perfect for expressive, animated, dramatic types like myself.  
What trends work well, and not so well for you?
Hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday.
xx, Elise














What I wore:
Dress/ Heels similar here and here /
Clutch/ Sunnies

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42 comments

  1. What a gorgeous dress! Love your shoes too!

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  2. This is such a great print and fun dress! I agree with your realistic style tips. You do have to find what works for you. Off the shoulder can be tricky when you need to use your arms.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  3. That dress looks amazing! I love the sultry feel of the dress!

    Abby | Life in the Fash Lane

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  4. I love off-shoulder anything and this dress is perfect! Such fun and different colors for spring! Gorgeous -xo

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  5. I love off-shoulder anything and this dress is perfect! Such fun and different colors for spring! Gorgeous -xo

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  6. Thats a gorg bag, nice style Hun...great to meet up on these linkups...x
    www.mummabstylish.com

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  7. Absolutely love the off-the-shoulder trend! You look lovely here, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  8. So pretty! I love the print!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

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  9. Gorgeous dress and that clutch goes perfectly with it! I don't have any off the shoulder dresses (just tops), but I need to change that pronto!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  10. That is a beautiful dress, but you make a good point! I have an off the shoulder top on its way to me so we will see if it works out or not!

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  11. I totally agree--playing with the rules is fun! I don't think they need to be followed haha. It's way more important to know what you like and feel comfortable in! Love this off the shoulder dress. The print is beautiful

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  12. Loving the colors of that dress!! xo, Biana

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  13. I adore anything off-the-shoulder right now! This dress is no exception. Love the print of it

    Enclothed Cognition/Bloglovin

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  14. This dress looks so beautiful! Great combo! Thank you for sharing!
    Have a wonderful week ahead!
    Much love, Pisa
    www.inlovewithmyclothes.com

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  15. Love the off the shoulder dress! Gorgeous!

    xo Lauren
    http://www.earthtostyle.com/

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  16. Cute! Loving the off the shoulder look!

    http://adoredbyalex.com

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  17. Gorgeous dress! I am in the market for the off the shoulder. Love your shoes and your makeup is perfect with the look!
    thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday!

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  18. I think it's super cute and looks great on you!!
    It does look like a Money painting. <3

    -Nathy
    Earnestyle

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  19. Your dress is so pretty!!
    Love the print
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  20. Looks so pretty!! Love this off shoulder dress so much!
    Xoxo,
    Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

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  21. What a gorgeous off the shoulder dress! Love the print! You look amazing! xoxo Vivian

    www.twoward.com

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  22. I don't follow the fashion rules either but one thing I know for sure: you are so BEAUTIFUL and I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!

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  23. Such a cute outfit! LOVE that dress!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  24. Love how well you've matched the dress with the clutch and makeup, so good! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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  25. That dress is just gorgeous. You look fabulous lady.

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  26. Such a gorgeous dress! You look fabulous!

    Annessa
    www.seekingsunshine.com

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  27. This dress is stunning!! Love this print and heels!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  28. Off shoulder is my favorite spring trend! The print on this dress is stunning!

    http://michellespaige.com

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  29. This is such a pretty dress!!
    Jaymie

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  30. off shoulder dress is so cute
    new post
    http://www.melodyjacob.com/

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  31. It's a pretty dress and I think you pulled it off perfectly. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma

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  32. That dress is gorgeous. I ordered one similar to it. I do sympathize with the larger-than-normal chest prblems but I think us too can wear off-shoulder things. Your post made me smile. Super cool that you are part Italian. Do you speak the language at all? I fo.

    Welcome by today Elise and join my linkup. Thanks pretty mamma.

    http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-moda-10-and-maroon-patterned.html

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  33. So feminine and pretty, love the lace ups too! Looking stunning pretty girl!

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  34. I love the soft pastel colors, so pretty and romantic on you.
    Thanks for linking up with My Refined Style
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  35. Looove this off the shoulder dress and your nude lace up flats! SO cute! <3

    xo Raina
    www.themamaqueen.com

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  36. Looove this off the shoulder dress and your nude lace up flats! SO cute! <3

    xo Raina
    www.themamaqueen.com

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  37. This is a beautiful dress and a perfect color palette for the spring/summer season. I've been searching for just the right one as I also like to wear a bra, with straps, but love this trend.

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  38. Such a pretty feminine look on you. I love those shoes too. Thanks for sharing with us on My refined Style. Have a great weekend!

    Cheers,
    Jennifer
    http://awellstyledlife.com

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  39. That dress is gorgeous.nice on you dear

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