My Style >> Indian Summer

So I know that 'Indian Summer' is actually an occurence that takes place in the autumn, when the temps become unseasonably warm one final time before winter's evil reign begins (we're all well aware of my feelings about winter).  But for whatever reason, when I hear the expression, it's a certain type of lighting that comes to mind for me, not a fall-time heatwave.  I think of that magical hour on an idyllic midsummer evening, right before the sun begins to set, when everything is enveloped with a warm, soft, pink and butterscotch kissed haze.  It's my favorite time of day, and conjures images of sun-drenched wheat fields and bare feet and earthy patterned fabrics and messy hair and dried wildflowers and all sorts of bohemian summery goodness.  Completely weird and random, I know.  But that's what Indian Summer is to me, and that's the exact lighting we got when we went outside to take pictures of this look the other night.  The outfit itself is kind of boho/modern flower child, so really, it all worked out perfectly.  Thanks, nature.

I'm going to make a little confession to you guys.  Lately I've been starting to wonder if the short dresses I've been wearing incessantly for so many years are becoming a little too, well, young.  I've never been one to follow fashion rules (have you seen my wedding dress?) or feel defined by my age, but sometimes you may or may not get to a point in your 30s where you realize you still have (and wear) some of the (really short/perhaps age inappropriate) dresses that you wore in high school, and that may or may not start to freak you out a little bit.

So when I got this dress in the mail from Sugarlips, even though I'd adored it online, I was a little worried about the length. When I opened the package and tried it on, however, my fear instantly diminished.  True story.  This is one of those dresses that is timeless, ageless, and even seasonless if you have the proper layers going on.  First of all, I love the print.  This is the exact type of pattern I was talking about above when I was describing the images that come to my mind when I'm having my 'Indian Summer' daydreams.  And the colors are divine too.  It looks like a summer sunset, all dusty and warm with hints of vibrant blue poking through.  It's comfortable, casual, and quite flattering.  I even love the name: The Tribes of Robin Dress (for the robin's egg blue trim).

My other favorite part of this outfit is the absolutely beautiful set of earrings that were handmade by my sweet friend Laura.  I probably wear more jewelry from her line, Roots and Feathers, than all of my other jewelry combined these days.  It's so my style, so well made, and so unique that I just can't help it.  When she sent me these particular earrings, she told me that they reminded her of my blog.  I have to agree!  The triangle and circle shapes are pretty perfect, don't you think?  The necklace I'm wearing here was actually made by Laura as well, from her Violet Bella line.  She sent it to me right after we first became friends, a little over a year ago.  The meaning behind it is something that is incredibly important to me, and represents something positive and powerful that came out of a similar loss we both had to endure.  It's a really special piece and I'm honored to be able to wear it.

As for the rest of the outfit, it's just chock full of bargains you guys.  The denim jacket (which I wore here as well) was a Good Will score.  It's Ann Taylor, and it was $4.  Yep. The moccasins are Candie's, believe it or not, and were discovered when on a whim, when I ventured into a Kohl's that I happened to be driving by.  The only time I've been in Kohl's before has been with Robbie because he insists that they have the best deals ever on men's socks. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at the cute things that were hidden amongst the, well, not-so-cute things.  Mostly though, I cannot adequately express my love for moccasins in general, and these babies were 50% off.  Score.  The hat was free, because I borrowed it from my husband (who paid for it at some point years ago, and has worn it a whopping zero times).  The bracelet is a Tibetan Buddhist mala that I've had for years.  It's very special to me and I usually don't wear as a "fashion" piece, but I happened to have it on the day we took these pics.   And the sunlight that was blinding me in this last shot is courtesy of mother nature.

Dress: c/o Sugarlips   //  Earrings and Necklace: c/o Roots and Feathers  
Jacket:  thrifted  // Shoes:  Candie's //  Hat: stolen from husband  //  Bracelet: Buddhist mala  

Happy Friday!  Do you have anything planned for the weekend?  Robbie leaves today for three days for a festival the band is playing, so I'm going to have a girls weekend with a couple of different friends who I love and don't get to see often enough.  Whatever you do, have fun!