the floral A-line

Remember how rose-heavy floral prints on black backgrounds started popping up everywhere after Dior featured them several seasons ago? Three years or so later I’ve finally found a piece I like in this scuba A-line skirt from Warehouse.

Warehouse floral print

I’ve grumbled about floral prints before, how difficult it is for me to find a print of the desired scale and busyness, how often they tip into the realm of the distracting and garish. There is no one formula for me, either, as with so many things. Everything has to be assessed case by case. Those prints I do like, though, tend to offer a soft, pleasing wash of gently variegated color.

Warehouse floral print

This hazy, digital floral print I like for a skirt of this volume (meaning I think I would not like the print as well writ small, as shoes or a clutch, or a tank top, say), a classic, fairly full A-line meant to be worn high at the natural waist. Love where this length hits; a bit below the knee, just revealing the base of the calf. A retro length with a modern print makes for nice contrast.

Schutz Kutia pumps

These are new. We are loving these. Not unlike the Aquazurra ones we love, which is no coincidence.

Schutz Kutia pumps

This color!

pearls, hamsa necklace, Givenchy fuchsia irresitible lipstick

Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation, Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder, NARS blush in Luminoso, Guerlain Terracotta bronzer, Givenchy Fuchsia Irresistible lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury Veruschka eyeliner, MAC false lash effect mascara, MAC brow set. Could argue that a peachy nude lipstick matching the pumps would have been fitting or even superior here.

Givenchy Fuschia Irresistible

This limited edition lipstick packaging was compelling, I won’t deny. This color is a cult classic, for good reason. 

Warehouse skirt (via ASOS), Schutz Kutia pumps, thrifted black silk tank, Pearl Paradise pearl 8mm studs. This little turquoise hamsa necklace I am loving (eBay). There are tons of variations with different stones, if you search (the best all seem to be from Israel). They are good luck, traditionally, though I mainly wanted something small and turquoise on a slender gold chain. I won’t say no to any luck that may accrue to me, however.

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tennis whites

stella mccartney adidas tennis dress

Surely part of my love for tennis springs from our abiding agreement on the superiority of white.

stella mccartney adidas tennis dress

This is one of the Stella McCartney for Adidas Barricade dresses. There are a few similar styles, slight variations on this, featuring fitted torsos, flared skirts, asymmetrical netting details and stylish cutouts. Most are straight dresses (nothing built in) that come with a matching white bra and shorts. It’s a lovely, basic shape with interest created in the texture of the netting and the asymmetrical seaming.

stella mccartney adidas tennis dress

This one features an oval cutout in the back that’s a nice surprise (which proved impossible to capture with my phone…).

Wimbledon-2014-Stella-dress-back

I appreciate this kind of designer collaboration. It adds a great injection of style to the host brand yet (usually) at a much friendlier price than the designer brand. So many compliments on the court wearing this.

adidas duramo watch

Adidas Duramo watch

Above: New Balance shoes, Wilson racket. There’s a white visor going on as well.

Anybody else watching the U.S. Open?