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Tuesday 1 May 2018

When Reality Ruins Expectation's Day



Oh my friends, this has just GOT to be my blog equivalent of a Disaster Movie.  My Titanic.  Or that volcano movie, can't remember what it's called ... Volcano! maybe?
Whatever.  It's all gone wrong in the space of an hour or two.  About the same length of time as a movie ... spooky that, huh?  Coincidence or am I really living in a First World Disaster Reality right now?

Or, to put it in a less melodramatic way, I'm not having a good day.


I had been waiting for a warm, sunny day with little wind in order to show you the Madeleine beach dress out in the open air.  On a beach, perhaps. 
Yes, you heard right, Madeleine calls this type of dress a beach dress.  I call it a "posh going out for a summer supper" dress
.
 I waited and waited and the day of optimum outdoor bloggy conditions just hasn't arrived and according to the forecast, it won't be arriving for a few days.  So I got fidgety.

Fidgety because in my mind I had great plans for this dress and wanted to see what this baby could do in IRL.  I'd listed a whole string of ways I could wear this little bluey lavender piece of soft jersey.

Au naturel, with a tan - that certainly hasn't happened.
Grey shoes and cardi
Taupe cardi and shoes
With a tied striped shirt and espadrilles - and I don't even have any!
Black wedges, cardi and elastic belt
Black wedges and biker jacket
I think you're getting the picture.  I could see lots of ways to style this simple cutie.  And styling it needs this time of year when pasty skin and goosebumps just don't do it justice.
So I needed some styling (covering up) and had high hopes.
 

But when I put it on, it felt instantly, well, meh.

So grumpy old me starts blurting out the negative stuff ...


That's it, I don't like it.  It just doesn't work for me.  It's going back. 



Hey, it looks OK.  Try it at least with one cardi.  That one at the top of the pile.
(That's The Photographer chivvying me along.)

My response?  Still meh.
So that's as far as I went with my "styling" of this little beach dress.
"I'll just have to see what I can do with this bunch of pics" I huffed and puffed.


Sadly my bad day didn't stop there.  The only half decent editing software I can easily use started playing silly-buzzards.  I spent about an hour getting out these few low-res pics.







I tried another edit method.  It doesn't crop well, so I don't usually use it.  I played around with the colour enhancer to try distract the eye from the bad editing.


I lost my legs during this episode.

I became quite grumpy.  (You are guessing right, that is an understatement).

It's a shame as I was giving you spoilers about the dress.  



And I was personally triumphing over it, as I had only by chance discovered the Madeleine is shipping to the Channel Islands again.  So this beach dress was me dipping my toe back in Madeleine/s stylish water again.


So I turn to you, my fashionista readers, can you help me?
Can you see how this dress could be styled, other than au naturel and with a long-awaited tan?
If I am to wear this before said tan appears, I need to wear it with a cardi or a jacket or ... what?  Can you tell me?
  Can you be the one in the disaster movie who comes up with a mind-blowing solution that plugs the whole in the ship? 
The hero who finds a way to divert the lava away from the hospital? 
The one who I saves mankind, the planet, and hey, whilst we're on a roll, the universe? 

If that all sounds like too big an ask, well I'd be happy if you just came up with some styling solutions which gets me to keep the dress and puts a smile back on my face.  Oh and if you can recommend a free or cheap photo editing package, then that would be good too.


Thank you.


A la perchoine.





42 comments:

  1. Well, I think you look stunning in it. I would try it with a kimono. I'm very pale myself right now and when I was in Savannah I wore a kimono over one of my dresses. It covered me up without overheating me!

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    1. So kind of you Amy, thank you. The kimono is an excellent idea. I've never had one, so I'm going to brave-up and go shopping. Hugs, x.

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  2. I agree with Amy; I think the dress looks lovely and the colour suits you so well. I can't help with an editing program as I used to use Adobe products when I was at work and they aren't cheap.
    Hope the dress dilemma works itself out.

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    1. Thanks, sweet Pieta, kimono it is. Thanks for your thoughts on editing software. Hugs, x.

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  3. Ha ha...a style dilemma and a bad weather day! How often we bloggers have to face them!!
    Have you tried to wear a short jacket on the dress? ( not a very new idea I am afraid )
    Your sleeveless dress is so nice and I like its plainess.

    I thank you for your friendly comment on my blog. Unlikely there is something wrong with my blog at the moment and I can't reply...sorry!

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    1. Oh yes Dan, same old same old style and weather issues eh! I tried a shortish beige jacket but it didn't look right, maybe I need to wait for a tan.
      So pleased you're back blogging, it's been too long. Hugs, x.

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  4. I love your beautiful klein blue dress, it's cute and it looks very beautiful. I love the color and also the delicate design, with the puckers on the chest. A great proposal

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    1. Oh thanks, J-M, the neckline detail is pretty. Hugs, x.

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  5. Maybe a white denim jacket if you have one? White will really make this colour pop. Lise

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    1. Yes, I do have one Lise! I will give that a try. Thanks for your input, hugs x.

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  6. I think the dress is so pretty on you, the color and the cut are fantastic! I'm not so sure why you don't really like it but I think it looks best with nothing over it.
    Can't help you with editing software as I have none! I use the crop feature on my lap top and brighten things but that's about it. I have heard some editing programs are pretty pricey and I like spending $$$ on clothes, lol!!!
    I say smile and wear the dress as it was intended, don't cover it up and if you do wear something like a denim jacket. There ya have it my friend, my advice!
    Hugs!!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Thank you, Mrs R, TP did say that evening that I was being hard on the dress as it looked really nice. Getting an unsolicited view from him is a first so there must be something I'm missing! Or maybe chuck on your denim suggestion until the tan kicks in.
      It's only cropping I use. I have two bits of software which came with my laptop. One crop stopped working properly last year and now the other has changed its format and I just can't work it out! I've even started posting uncropped pics but am ending up with far too much unnecessary background. There, I've cried on your virtual shoulder! Hugs my sweet, x.

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    2. You can cry on my shoulder anytime sweet friend! I like the uncropped pics. Listen to TP (and me) the dress looks good on you! You know I'm bossy and tell you like it is so trust!!!

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    3. I now to your bossiness, Dr R, you have my trust!

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  7. I would think twice before sending it back. Mary, you really do look pretty in a bright color, even though I know how you love your gray! I know exactly how you feel. I would be self-conscious wearing it without a tan... and I rarely do sleeveless. I agree with everyone else. Try it with some other jackets or sweaters. I actually like the look of it with the cardi (surprise haha). Maybe you are just not used to seeing yourself in such a bright color, but it looks great! Good luck.

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    1. Oh Susan, I've warmed to the cardi look too! I guess you've hit on the comfort-zone breakers - the colour,exposing my arms. Thanks for understanding, hugs my dear, x.

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  8. I think the color is just beautiful on you!! I personally would wear it with a blazer or a denim jacket, something with a lot of structure to it. I love cardigans, but they always make me feel a little meh.

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

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    1. Thanks Brooke, I'll try some structure with it. Looks like I've got some homework to do. Hugs my sweet, x.

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  9. The color of this dress is beautiful and it suits you first and foremost. I actually like the dress by itself. I would vote for a kimono or a white denim jacket and sandals to switch it up!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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    1. Ok Maureen, I've taken those ideas on board, I like the change of footwear idea too. Thanks for popping in with your thoughts. Hugs, x.

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  10. It's a lovely classic shift dress and the colour is wonderful. It also looks lovely on you, Mary so don't send it back. Here is what I would try it with:

    1) Patterned jacket
    2) Patterned kimono
    3) Patterned cardigan
    4) Patterned bolero/shrug
    5) Patterned shirt blouse underneath

    And a bold necklace!

    I think such a strong plain colour needs pattern to add interest.

    Better weather is on the way!
    xxxx

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    1. Oh nice words and a list - thanks, Vronni, I LIKE lists! And nice words too, of course.
      I agree with you, this needs some pattern in the absence of a summer tan. I struggle to find pattern I like enough to wear, so this journey is going to be interesting! Hugs my beauty, x.

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  11. Wowzers, that is a good color on you. Totally get that you would feel better with a tan. Definitely some statement earrings, nothing on the neck because the neckline of this dress is gorgeous enough. Pair with a sheer white kimono or denim jacket, but definitely white! However when the beachy weather does appear, you must do the sheath it's glorious justice and wear it as the stunning
    sleeveless it is! I really do love this dress Mary, it's a keeper and I am sorry it and lack of weather and editing gave you a rough time, boo and HUGS!!!

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    1. Oh thanks so much, the sweetest of Andreas. Earrings. Yes, WHY didn't I try some? White is coming through as a definite pairing with this dress.
      Roll on that beachy weather - the sun's coming out and the heat is being turned up from this weekend, plus Monday's May bank holiday and Wednesday is our Liberation Day - this pale skinned girl's gonna be out there!
      Hugs, my pretty, x.

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  12. The colour is great on you Mary. I think a white jacket like mentioned above. A blazer, A jacket that finishes at the waistline maybe short sleeved would look good? It's a classic dress and I would follow through that way. What are you taking your photos with? Maybe I can help.
    Laurie xx

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    1. Thank you, Laurie, the world and TP are telling me this is a keeper, which is weird as I just can't see it.
      You are playing to its classic strengths and yet it also has its more casual vibe too, so I get its versatility.
      We generally use a Nikon bridge camera (I chinked the lens) and occasionally an iPhone 6 or Galaxy 3. We have a little pocket Cannon Exus which sometimes comes walkabouts with us.
      Hope the Maltese sun is shining down on you. I used to enjoy walking along the prom to the next bay before the sun broke through. Have a great time, hugs x.

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  13. I agree with everyone Mary. It suits you in the pics. It's a great shape on you for sure. Maybe you see something in reality that we don't in the pics. I would agree with all suggestions above and I could add try a neck scarf a tiny skinny one knotted at the side in a colour that suits your face .

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    1. Hi AM, well that must be it, I'm seeing a different dress! Good idea about the scarf for a burst of pattern, thanks for that. Happy weekend to you, enjoy your deep-gardening! Hugs X.

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  14. Hi Mary. Well, I haven't even looked at what other people have written above but I think the dress looks fab on you and that colour...!! If you múst wear something over it then I can only think of a short bolero-style cardigan (without buttons) with two longer front pieces that you can tie into a knot at the front? Do not return the dress, it is gorgeous. We shall have to find an equally stylish restaurant to go to, to show off this beauty when I am over next month!

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    1. I need your styling advice, Duchesse! Sounds like you're describing those £15 jobbies from Le Gouffre, and there's no easy way to say this, my dear, it's closing/closed. But the restaurant is thriving and I hear the food's good ... see you next month! Hugs, my leggy friend, x

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  15. I love that color on you-cobalt blue and your the shade of your hair is very striking. I like the kimono and short jacket ideas. Sometimes I take one of my huge square patterned scarfs and just drape them over a sleeveless dress for summer. Terri xox

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    1. Oh yes, Terri, I'm looking at it as I type and think my silk square shown in the next post just might do the trick. Thank you! Hugs, my sweet, x

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  16. Mary, I think Mother Nature has sorted it for you. Spring and sunshine are back for at least 3 days! Take a romantic stroll on the beach with gallant GP, in your gorgeous Madeleine dress (I love their stuff). In terms of styling, I might add a lightweight poncho for evenings. Kettlewell have some good ones. Orange would look stunning.

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    1. Oh I could imagine that orange poncho and me barefoot along the water's edge! Thanks, Gail, the forecast is brilliant and next week it's double bank holidays for us so come on, Mr Gallant, let's get beach strolling.
      Hugs, my lovely, x

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  17. I agree a kimono or a white jacket will be great until the tan arrives, definitely a keeper Mary, because the colour really suits you. Please do join me on #chicnadstylish #linkup Hun. Jacqui Mummabstylish

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    1. Thanks, Jacqui, I definitely need a kimono which is going to be a first for me. And maybe this dress will find it's way on to your link up! Hugs, my lovely, x.

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  18. I think you look gorgeous in this dress. The colour is amazing to your skin and hair. If it is cold or windy outside you can wear maybe a short denim jacket in light blue, white or red.
    XO Tina

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    1. Hi Tina, thanks so much. I do have a white denim jacket so it's on my list for a try out. Thanks for your idea and thanks for popping in, hope to see you here again soon! Hugs, x.

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  19. Gosh what a lot of comments you popular lady! I've not had time to read them all, but think a well draped pashmina would be perfect. I love the dress and do hope that you get the result you desire my dearest!

    Anna x

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    1. Hi Anna,it's funny how some posts just fly off the shelves eh. The pash is a great idea, and I have plenty of those!
      Hope your fog has lifted, such a shame it disrupted this year's gig races.
      Hugs, my sweet, x.

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  20. I think this is a very pretty dress and I really like the bright blue on you! Hmm, a kimono is a great warm weather completer piece and is a great way to change up a dress. A long sleeveless vest would also look great. Maybe layer a button up shirt over it? Looking forward to seeing what you decide. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!

    Jennie - A Pocketful of Polka Dots

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    1. Thanks, Jennie, I'm really feeling the lure of a kimono, I've been out looking for one but no luck. Like your idea of an open shirt, so thks for your suggestions.
      Happy weekend hugs, x.

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