You are going to be so bored with me in dresses haha. This flower dress is another score from the Max Mara outlet. It is a very peculiar dress. The front is straight like a sheath dress and the back is all big and pleated. Furtermore the side seams aren’t going straight down but move to the front.
Nevertheless I thought it was really nice. Difficulty again was “how to get a modern vibe when wearing a flower dress”?? I think I cracked it with these shoes.
To save Ron from another photo shoot, I asked a friend in our street whether she would be so kind to photograph me. And preferably in their sunroom because there is a lot of light there. She did a really good job. (With the shots of me from head to toe, I forgot to set the camera properly -zoom- and place my lovely photographer further back. My mistake. Result: short legs.)
Below: we started with a formal shot on her couch. They had decorated their sunroom in light neutral colours. Perfect for a flower dress.
Below: their cat came to greet me.
Below: I tried some fancy poses like a princess stretched out on a couch….
Below: no, not really flattering at all.
Below: Oh gosh , putting your leg to the side like that, really makes you feel your age.. OUCH.
Below: let’s forget the couch and move on to the kitchen area.
Below: this is how the dress looks at the front, like a loose sheath dress.
Below: we are slowly turning to the side… Suspense is killing you, I know. You are going to see so many shots of this dress 😆
Below: right, I know, strangely wide at the back and with a “tail”.
Below: the back. Doesn’t look wide at all, does it?
Below: moving to the other side. See? It is moving forward and upward at the front. Perhaps it was meant for a woman with smaller boobs? That would help.
Below: close-up of the shoes and tights.
The tights are (again) picked out for me by Stemm Voetiek in Haarlem. The blotches and spots on my legs, are indeed on my legs and not on the tights. Don’t know what I have been doing.
The shooties (ridiculous name) are by Steffen Schraut. Apparently the guy is really famous for his great shoes and I had never heard of him before. The owner of the shop Lab Women’s Clothing, convinced me that these shoes would make any dress or skirt outfit modern. I knew they would be an acquired taste for me as I think they are pretty ugly. I mean, I love pointy pumps, elegant shoes and these are at the other end of my taste. Nevertheless I thought I should get out of my comfort zone, knowing I find pumps with my outfits often old fashioned. Also knowing that when it comes to shoe fashion I am usually decades behind. Do I like these Steffen Schraut shooties by now? Well, a little more. I am getting used to them and I do acknowledge that they make an outfit more edgy. The fact they are bloody comfortable is a big plus. I found out that there are women who actually love these shoes, who think they are fantastic. I guess I just have to get used to them a little longer.
This weekend I am spending time with Susan of Une Femme d’un certain age, who has come over to Paris. As Paris and Amsterdam is only 3 1/2 hours by train, it is fun to see her again. Hopefully we will have better weather than the first time we met.
Greetje
Loving the floral dress, from every angle, the back was a surprise ! Max Mara, always does beautiful prints and fabrications! I LOVE the shooties, they are perfect for the dress, and they look comfy, as you say they are, that is a big win!
Pretty sunroom, love the princess shot!
and your legs do not, could not, look short!
have fun with your friend! ( she is a good photographer !)
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Yes, my friend was a surprisingly good photographer. Surprising because she never uses a camera. I knew you would love the shooties. Seeing such shoes on you is one of the reasons I dared buying them. I mean, you are always so well styled, it cannot be wrong. Right?
HA! That is sweet, but yes, I am wrong often, my last rooftop post was a bit much, even for me. BUt I am so glad you have the shooties, a silly name indeeed!
I admire how often you travel, by the way, looks like it is so much fun. You have mastered that. The art of living well and laughing often.
Xx, Elle
Travelling is new for me. I never travelled that much before I started blogging. Now I have blogging friends all over the world.
This is an odd dress. Yes. And I’m all for odd. It’s almost like the designer couldn’t make up his/her mind – shift dress or dress with an empire waist or kimono thing with an obi-type belt. I enjoy seeing you have fun in it regardless. It’s one of those pieces you can really play with. Have you tried it backwards too?
Your diva poses on the couch are priceless – that’s so much what I look like when I try the sexy poses. Hahaha. Your friend did a great job with the photos!
You’re in Paris?!!! Gaaa!!! Mwah!
“Have you tried it backwards?” Only you can come up with such an idea. No I have not, but I will try it tonight haha. That will be a novelty. I am afraid though that the boobs will have even less room then.
And yes I was in Paris. Meeting Susan. That was such fun. Only I overspent heavily. So no more spending until April/may. I will tell about the measurements I have taken next Sunday.
Greetje,
Greetings! I think the tights give the Max Mara floral dress an edge more than the shoes. However, the shoes do look like they would be comfortable with the lug soles.
How lovely that you live so close to Paris and can arrive within 3.5 hours.
Ha Eugenia, from IG to my blog, what fun. Thanks. I haven’t looked at it this way….. Hmm the tights alone would do the trick? I will have a look.
And yes, being in Europe means everything is close.
Hmm, what an interesting dress. The front and back are so different it looks like two dresses put together. The tights, again, are superb. I actually like the casual poses on the couch; they seem real. Your authenticity inspires me.
Anything to get a laugh Ally. There is a clown inside me. As we didn’t have much room to make an interesting post, I tried to goof around a little for laughs.
I hope you are having a blast in Paris! I know you are : )
I love the shooties and the tights.
The dress is just “meh” for me. While I like the pattern and colours I think that you may have been swayed because it is your favourite brand and sometimes we have rose coloured glasses when we find something in a brand we like on sale.
I’m not crazy about the cut or how it hangs on you. That said, who the hell cares what I think? LOL I’m not the one wearing the dress.
I feel the same when trying to do those sexy poses. It looks like you might be doing yoga in the one shot! LOL Maybe I need to try that the next time I take photos.
I actually liked the dress a whole lot better when you were sitting down in it.
bisous
Suzanne
I do love you so much for being honest Suzanne, really I do. You know how much I appreciate that. I think the dress is quirky but I get what you are saying. And yes the rose coloured glasses are on when I hear the brand.
The fact that I didn’t have the camera zoomed out right, making my legs look strange and short, doesn’t help the look when I am standing up. I will try some of my readers’ suggestions and see whether I can improve this dress.
I also like to see what this dress looks like on you with the bow tied at the front as I’m not convinced about the fit of this dress currently. Great to see you trying something new though both with wearing a flower dress and those shooties!
Getting out of my comfort zone, aren’t I? I know I need to go for something looking great and not settle for so/so, but experimenting means you won’t always get it right first time.
If you do try it tied in front, please post a picture. I’m dying to know how that would look. drk
I tried. No photo. The ties weren’t bad at the front, but the side seams were even worse. When I tightened the ties at the back the side seams came straight. Problem solved.
I really like the shoes on you ….. probably would pass on them if saw in the store but you have made them look great!
I am getting more adventurous every year ?
I love the shoes, and I particularly love them on you! Being a florals hater myself, I think the shoes do keep the flowery dress from veering into sweetie-pie territory.
The cut of the dress is so unusual, and I think you really pull it off.
I’m so annoyed I didn’t get to join you and Susan in Paris this time 🙁
xxx
And indeed I am not a sweetie-pie person. At all. Glad you like the shoes. I need somebody who does haha. Although in my environment there are some lovers of these shoes as well.
Susan and I did talk about you this weekend and we thought it was a shame too. It was a lovely weekend. I hope to post next Sunday. You will feel even worse then (sorry).
I feel exactly the same about shoes! If I saw your shooties (ha) in a store, I wouldn’t give them a second glance but they look great on you. And with the dress.
I don’t think they will become my favourite pair one day, but you never know. I just have to try harder to find combinations. I have a skirt and top which look good with them as well. And the tights make a lot of difference too.
It is a lovely floral dress indeed. I really like the dress you paired it with. Wonderful boots as well.
Your friend did a good job with taking the photos. Some of them are a bit goofy, but I actually like that. All the serious posing on fashion blogs can get a bit boring.
If there is something I always try to achieve, it is to make readers smile or laugh. That is just as important as showing clothes. Much more difficult though as not everybody likes the same humour.
yes, that’s true. 🙂
I do think both the tights and the booties add great modernism to the floral dress. But even just the interesting design on the posterior part of the dress is super fun and unexpected!!
You definitely gave us all a good laugh with those photos of you on the couch—it does make you wonder how the “real” models do it in the magazines, and look so sexy?
I see you commented about the dress moving forward & up from the side shot. I bet there’s a small alteration you could have done, to fix that—-maybe a couple small darts? I really don’t think it’s a terrible look, because no one sees us frozen in time like that (except the camera), but if it bugs you…..
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
My seamstress already shortened the dress and had a look at the seams. There is nothing she can do about it. She found out that the material is not a cloth but some sort of plastic haha. I know the Max Mara group is often experimenting with materials and apparently this is one of these experiments. I don’t mind, I can even wear polyester in summer.
Ooooh, I had a dress out of a weird material like that once, and it got all crazy when I washed it…even though it said machine washable.
🙂
We will see when I wash it. No idea. Only wore it once.
Have you tried tying the sash in the front? I would try a flattened bow, perhaps judiciously pinned down. The dress is really pretty but somehow I think the sash is causing the migration! (I am similarly “blessed” with boobage.)
What a splendid idea Barbara. That never even dawned on me: the sash in the front. You are right in that the bow might have to be pinned down. But it might look very good and I have more than enough pins. So thank you. And you taught me another English word: judicious. Learning something new every day.
You are welcome! I do enjoy your posts and your style. The shoes and tights are fabulous.
I love the “shooties”! And the tights. And the rear view of the dress. And the way the print flows diagonally across the front of the dress. I’d be tempted to add a (very) long necklace and heavy bangle bracelet or very large watch in place of the watch you’re wearing to the outfit as viewed from the front. The very large flowers in the print seem to me to call for large accessories. Maybe a bag would do it.
I love reading your posts. The way you put things together is so original 🙂
Well, you see Fran, I have lots of little helpers everywhere haha. Shop assistents, friends, readers. Together we can come up with several good outfits. Sharing those on the blog may inspire others as I am inspired too. Your suggestion for large jewellery seems like a very good idea. I have a wooden watch which is big (and a camouflage one, but that wouldn’t suit the dress). Heavy bangles, no problem. Long necklace.. no problem. I am going to try them all out. Another reader suggested to put the sash at the front instead of the back. Might also work. In the meantime I hope I have made you smile as well.
Your posts always make me smile. Thank you for your kind reply!
For some reason I keep picturing the dress with a very long strand of faux pearls with a knot tied in it, with the large watch or bangle. Large floral prints can be so hard to pull off, I think you’ve done beautifully here 🙂
Funny thing is that a friend of mine said today that this flower dress proves I don’t always have to wear a necklace haha.
lol! The dress is strong enough on its own not to *need* a necklace, I agree! We each have our own eye — some want more elements, while others may see it as clutter.
I really like this dress too Greetje. The whole hems slightly adrift and the shape of it all adds to the interest. A floral dress could be boring, but this one certainly isn’t. And the shooties are different too, but again really nice (nice is a of an bit over-used word I know). And best of all is the fact that the shooties (am not sniggering at this word, I promise) are truly comfortable! It’s lovely to find time to visit your blog after so long away. Life is a bit hectic at this time of year isn’t it?
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I like nice. No problem. Thank you. I can trust you to be honest. No false flattery please.
And I am very pleased with your visit. As I visit your blog very infrequent, I am the last person to cast a stone. Yes, we are busy and not just this time of year. I totally understand.
Such a lovely dress, it looks super on you too. Great with the boots and tights. Nice to link up with you. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
What a fantastic dress! And the print alone is modern enough, you don’t need to worry about adding anything else. Although your tights were the perfect match as well as your booties. You are one styling icon now. And let’s also get something straight, no matter what angle or how far way the camera is, you will never ever have short legs, your legs are the best and the envy of most of us.
I know my legs are good, but they could have been better presented in this post. Never mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect every time, right? I am only human. The tights shop in Haarlem is really a life saver for me. She makes all my dress and skirt outfits modern. I always say: “with a little help of my friends…”
Yes I like this frock even if it does ride up a little at the front and the shooties and textured tights give the whole outfit a modern edge…it helps that you have good legs. (I don’t!)
I love your mad poses…I hate posing for photos and delete most of them. Neighbour’s puss is adorable.
My mother just told me off for putting so many similar photos of one outfit in a post. “It’s a bit too much dear.” Haha. She is right of course. Didn’t have anything else. And I am pleased you like the dress and shoes.
I am not so thrilled about this dress as the others. I do like the flowers and I do like the front, but I am having trouble with the back. It’s like I have been in France so I want a queue de Paris. There is too much going on . And the seams aren’t right. I do like the shoes.
I know you are right Marianne. Max Mara would have done me a favour if they had made the side seams straight. But it is what it is, and there is something about the dress that I still like. I am going to experiment with it a bit more. And eh.. you are not the only one who has second thoughts haha.
You do surprise me with liking the shoes. But you often surprise me. Love you.
I ADORE YOU!
KEEP AT IT WOMAN!!!!!!!!
Could you please be more accurate about what I should keep at it hahahaha. And thank you. You gave me a good laugh.
That black flowered dress is exactly fabulous on you. Neckline, length, colors dark and dramatic+light and exotic. I agree with everything you say about the shoes : I don’t like them, except that I love them. They show off your legs and they are the perfect foil for the dress, which with delicate pointy shoes could look matronly. Brava.
Well, that is an experiment gone right then. There is still a little matter of the side seams. The dress looks a bit weird from the side. I could always pull a confident face and say: “oh that is the latest thing” haha.
I love your poses on the couch Greetje, is that what they call the Whip Nay Nay? Hahahaha! As for the dress, hmmm I’m not sure to be honest. Is it trying to be too many things perhaps?
Straight on from the back it looks fabulous & straight on from the front is great too but when you turn sideways I’m confused.
Anyway what does it matter, your boots & tights are SEXY! You do have great pins my friend 😉
Mxx
My great pins aren’t really showing in these pictures as I didn’t have the camera zoomed out enough, giving me shorter legs. You are right about the sideways. I am going to look into some suggestions readers gave me. If I cannot solve it, I will just have to make sure never to let anybody see my left or right side haha.
Hearing that the boots are sexy is a total surprise to me.
Oh and by the way… keep on being honest. I love it. I need it.
I completely forgot you had bought the floral dress! Hope you wear it often as you look very nice!
I understand that you have to get used to those shoes because they aren’t very your style, but they are comfortable and match to many outfits so, keep on wearing them with dresses.
Shoes can really change an outfit and make the difference. I try to have a more modern look wearing modern shoes too and own many booties which serve the purpose…
Thanks for the support and encouragement Dan. I had the dress shortened as we discussed and found out the material is some sort of plastic haha. Doesn’t matter to me. They often experiment with materials.
I will keep wearing the shoes. Still have to check some things out about the dress.
I LOVE kitty cat! She/he looks like a British Blue short hair.
The dress, on the other hand, has me a bit perplexed…I think the print and colour looks lovely on you, and the sitting pose at the counter reveals a nice silhouette. I’m not sold on the back view…the ties kind of spoil the shift/cocoon shape of the dress for me.
The side seams, on the other hand, have me tsk-tsking. There appears to be puckering and that makes me a little crazy, LOL. You mentioned to Jodie it is a plastic fabrication…it looks like it was challenging to sew.
PS It would have been cool if you had a photo taken while holding the fruit bowl….the dress print and the pattern on the bowl would have looked cool together! 🙂
Of course you are right about the side seams. I did find out that if I tighten the ties at the back, it lifts the side seams to almost normal / straight. So I am sorry but I cannot lose the ties.
I am glad you do not like something of me this time haha. And I totally get it. But you should see me walking around with that confident face.. Anyway, it will never be my best dress, but I still like it. Inspite of everything. Have I got nicer stuff? Yes. So why bother with something less? Don’t know.
I do love the photo of you laughing as you are testing out the “sexy poses” on your friend’s couch. Proof that often when one tries to “look sexy” they end up looking silly (I certainly do). The dress is not one of my favourites on you – it looks fine from the front and the back, but rather “bunchy” from the side. I enjoy seeing you try different shapes and styles that are not in your comfort zone.
I found out that if I tie the bow at the back tighter, it lifts the side seams to being straight. Funny but true. And yes, it is a funny shape. I just pull my “Look at me being stunning-face” and I think I get away with it. I make it a point never to look over my shoulder to see the look on everybody’s face haha.
lovely floral dress, it looks elegant with a twist!. I like particularly your booties as they really add an edgy touch (well, I like this kind of shoes!) and the color is fab!
You look gorgeous!
The dress and shoes seem to polarise. Not everybody likes this outfit. Which I think is good as that means that my readers are honest with me. A quality I highly praise. After all I cannot please everybody all the time. But I am glad you like it.
Hoi Greetje,
Your fantastic legs with the dark colored stocking keep these shoes from looking dowdy/frumpy. If you had short lets and wore nude stockings they wouldn’t look right, but the way you styled them knocks it out of the park.
I am also not a flowery print kinda chick, but this is a muted design and with the dark background and the fact that you kept the accessories, to just beautiful you and the dress make it elegant. The pattern for me is enough accessory, anything else would look gawdy in my opinion and take away from the dress.
The only thing about the whole outfit I would say is off is the side seams, they would make me absolutely batty, it is so gorgeous then all the sudden looks like it wasn’t sewn right. Now this is just my opinion, and other than that I love everything you did with the outfit, while it is deterring from your normal style it is so lovely on you.
I know that modern designs are supposed to have angels and so forth but with such a light material and print it doesn’t work. But then again maybe in real life it isn’t noticeable.
By the way I love the funny photos in the beginning:)
A) the side seams don’t show that much in realty, you are right in that sense. B) I found out that if I tie the bow at the back tighter, it lifts the side seams to a straight position. Such an easy solution. Strange but true.
I bought a pair of plain, opaque grey tights before and wore them with the shoes… very tricky (as in dowdy). My lovely tights sales woman looked at the picture of the combination and said in disgust: “Oh no, did I recommend that? No, I didn’t, did I?”Hahaha.
I love Max Mara . You have styled this dress perfectly with the boots Greeted. Good to know I’m not the only one who makes mistakes with the Camera!
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
I tied the bow of the dress tighter at the back and that lifts the side seams more to the back. Which makes the dress look a bit better.
Tried to tie the bow at the front too. That was fine from the front but ridiculous from the back haha.
You really got it together. I agree about the shoes, yet they do work. I just purchased a top similar to yours. Thanks for the ideas.
Thanks Sandra. Usually I just make readers laugh, but it is nice to hear I give ideas too. ?
I love the tailoring of the back of the dress it is flattering to your great figure. I agree the shoes do
modernise your look, how fortunate that they just happen to be so comfortable too.
Comfort and looks… it usually doesn’t go together, does it? I do find that as I get older, comfort is getting more priority. Although I still have outfits I love to take off as soon as I get home haha.
The floral of this dress is really beautiful and feels like a watercolor print to me. You look lovely Greetje and the shoeties just funk up the pretty a wee bit. JUST enough I think to take the floral to a new level!
I also like the patterned tights you chose to wear.
I wonder if all of that unique seaming detail made the dress ride up slightly in the front?? Who knows? and who cares for that matter! You look great!!
I’m sure Ron enjoyed a little break and I think your neighbor/ friend/ photographer brought out the playful side of your personality and I love that!!
What do you think this dress would look like with those over-the-knee boots? I say this because the sweetness of the dress would be cool juxtaposed against the sexiness of the boots. I’ll bet even Ron would approve! (?)
Great post Greetje!
I have no idea what the boots would do with the dress. It is worth a try. And eh… the tights were not chosen by me haha. I have a little helper for these tricky things. As I have more little helpers. Such as shop assistents, friends and readers like you. Two other readers also had good suggestions. You see, that is how I manage ???.
And yes Ron was pleased.
I really like this dress too Greetje. The whole hems slightly adrift and the shape of it all adds to the interest. A floral dress could be boring, but this one certainly isn’t. And the shooties are different too, but again really nice (nice is a of an bit over-used word I know). And best of all is the fact that the shooties (am not sniggering at this word, I promise) are truly comfortable! It’s lovely to find time to visit your blog after so long away. Life is a bit hectic at this time of year isn’t it?
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I like nice. No problem. Thank you. I can trust you to be honest. No false flattery please.
And I am very pleased with your visit. As I visit your blog very infrequent, I am the last person to cast a stone. Yes, we are busy and not just this time of year. I totally understand.
Such a lovely dress, it looks super on you too. Great with the boots and tights. Nice to link up with you. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
What a fantastic dress! And the print alone is modern enough, you don’t need to worry about adding anything else. Although your tights were the perfect match as well as your booties. You are one styling icon now. And let’s also get something straight, no matter what angle or how far way the camera is, you will never ever have short legs, your legs are the best and the envy of most of us.
I know my legs are good, but they could have been better presented in this post. Never mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect every time, right? I am only human. The tights shop in Haarlem is really a life saver for me. She makes all my dress and skirt outfits modern. I always say: “with a little help of my friends…”
Yes I like this frock even if it does ride up a little at the front and the shooties and textured tights give the whole outfit a modern edge…it helps that you have good legs. (I don’t!)
I love your mad poses…I hate posing for photos and delete most of them. Neighbour’s puss is adorable.
My mother just told me off for putting so many similar photos of one outfit in a post. “It’s a bit too much dear.” Haha. She is right of course. Didn’t have anything else. And I am pleased you like the dress and shoes.
Loving the floral dress, from every angle, the back was a surprise ! Max Mara, always does beautiful prints and fabrications! I LOVE the shooties, they are perfect for the dress, and they look comfy, as you say they are, that is a big win!
Pretty sunroom, love the princess shot!
and your legs do not, could not, look short!
have fun with your friend! ( she is a good photographer !)
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Yes, my friend was a surprisingly good photographer. Surprising because she never uses a camera. I knew you would love the shooties. Seeing such shoes on you is one of the reasons I dared buying them. I mean, you are always so well styled, it cannot be wrong. Right?
HA! That is sweet, but yes, I am wrong often, my last rooftop post was a bit much, even for me. BUt I am so glad you have the shooties, a silly name indeeed!
I admire how often you travel, by the way, looks like it is so much fun. You have mastered that. The art of living well and laughing often.
Xx, Elle
Travelling is new for me. I never travelled that much before I started blogging. Now I have blogging friends all over the world.
This is an odd dress. Yes. And I’m all for odd. It’s almost like the designer couldn’t make up his/her mind – shift dress or dress with an empire waist or kimono thing with an obi-type belt. I enjoy seeing you have fun in it regardless. It’s one of those pieces you can really play with. Have you tried it backwards too?
Your diva poses on the couch are priceless – that’s so much what I look like when I try the sexy poses. Hahaha. Your friend did a great job with the photos!
You’re in Paris?!!! Gaaa!!! Mwah!
“Have you tried it backwards?” Only you can come up with such an idea. No I have not, but I will try it tonight haha. That will be a novelty. I am afraid though that the boobs will have even less room then.
And yes I was in Paris. Meeting Susan. That was such fun. Only I overspent heavily. So no more spending until April/may. I will tell about the measurements I have taken next Sunday.
I LOVE kitty cat! She/he looks like a British Blue short hair.
The dress, on the other hand, has me a bit perplexed…I think the print and colour looks lovely on you, and the sitting pose at the counter reveals a nice silhouette. I’m not sold on the back view…the ties kind of spoil the shift/cocoon shape of the dress for me.
The side seams, on the other hand, have me tsk-tsking. There appears to be puckering and that makes me a little crazy, LOL. You mentioned to Jodie it is a plastic fabrication…it looks like it was challenging to sew.
PS It would have been cool if you had a photo taken while holding the fruit bowl….the dress print and the pattern on the bowl would have looked cool together! 🙂
Of course you are right about the side seams. I did find out that if I tighten the ties at the back, it lifts the side seams to almost normal / straight. So I am sorry but I cannot lose the ties.
I am glad you do not like something of me this time haha. And I totally get it. But you should see me walking around with that confident face.. Anyway, it will never be my best dress, but I still like it. Inspite of everything. Have I got nicer stuff? Yes. So why bother with something less? Don’t know.
I do love the photo of you laughing as you are testing out the “sexy poses” on your friend’s couch. Proof that often when one tries to “look sexy” they end up looking silly (I certainly do). The dress is not one of my favourites on you – it looks fine from the front and the back, but rather “bunchy” from the side. I enjoy seeing you try different shapes and styles that are not in your comfort zone.
I found out that if I tie the bow at the back tighter, it lifts the side seams to being straight. Funny but true. And yes, it is a funny shape. I just pull my “Look at me being stunning-face” and I think I get away with it. I make it a point never to look over my shoulder to see the look on everybody’s face haha.
Hoi Greetje,
Your fantastic legs with the dark colored stocking keep these shoes from looking dowdy/frumpy. If you had short lets and wore nude stockings they wouldn’t look right, but the way you styled them knocks it out of the park.
I am also not a flowery print kinda chick, but this is a muted design and with the dark background and the fact that you kept the accessories, to just beautiful you and the dress make it elegant. The pattern for me is enough accessory, anything else would look gawdy in my opinion and take away from the dress.
The only thing about the whole outfit I would say is off is the side seams, they would make me absolutely batty, it is so gorgeous then all the sudden looks like it wasn’t sewn right. Now this is just my opinion, and other than that I love everything you did with the outfit, while it is deterring from your normal style it is so lovely on you.
I know that modern designs are supposed to have angels and so forth but with such a light material and print it doesn’t work. But then again maybe in real life it isn’t noticeable.
By the way I love the funny photos in the beginning:)
A) the side seams don’t show that much in realty, you are right in that sense. B) I found out that if I tie the bow at the back tighter, it lifts the side seams to a straight position. Such an easy solution. Strange but true.
I bought a pair of plain, opaque grey tights before and wore them with the shoes… very tricky (as in dowdy). My lovely tights sales woman looked at the picture of the combination and said in disgust: “Oh no, did I recommend that? No, I didn’t, did I?”Hahaha.
lovely floral dress, it looks elegant with a twist!. I like particularly your booties as they really add an edgy touch (well, I like this kind of shoes!) and the color is fab!
You look gorgeous!
The dress and shoes seem to polarise. Not everybody likes this outfit. Which I think is good as that means that my readers are honest with me. A quality I highly praise. After all I cannot please everybody all the time. But I am glad you like it.
I love Max Mara . You have styled this dress perfectly with the boots Greeted. Good to know I’m not the only one who makes mistakes with the Camera!
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
I tied the bow of the dress tighter at the back and that lifts the side seams more to the back. Which makes the dress look a bit better.
Tried to tie the bow at the front too. That was fine from the front but ridiculous from the back haha.
I am not so thrilled about this dress as the others. I do like the flowers and I do like the front, but I am having trouble with the back. It’s like I have been in France so I want a queue de Paris. There is too much going on . And the seams aren’t right. I do like the shoes.
I know you are right Marianne. Max Mara would have done me a favour if they had made the side seams straight. But it is what it is, and there is something about the dress that I still like. I am going to experiment with it a bit more. And eh.. you are not the only one who has second thoughts haha.
You do surprise me with liking the shoes. But you often surprise me. Love you.
I ADORE YOU!
KEEP AT IT WOMAN!!!!!!!!
Could you please be more accurate about what I should keep at it hahahaha. And thank you. You gave me a good laugh.
That black flowered dress is exactly fabulous on you. Neckline, length, colors dark and dramatic+light and exotic. I agree with everything you say about the shoes : I don’t like them, except that I love them. They show off your legs and they are the perfect foil for the dress, which with delicate pointy shoes could look matronly. Brava.
Well, that is an experiment gone right then. There is still a little matter of the side seams. The dress looks a bit weird from the side. I could always pull a confident face and say: “oh that is the latest thing” haha.
I love your poses on the couch Greetje, is that what they call the Whip Nay Nay? Hahahaha! As for the dress, hmmm I’m not sure to be honest. Is it trying to be too many things perhaps?
Straight on from the back it looks fabulous & straight on from the front is great too but when you turn sideways I’m confused.
Anyway what does it matter, your boots & tights are SEXY! You do have great pins my friend 😉
Mxx
My great pins aren’t really showing in these pictures as I didn’t have the camera zoomed out enough, giving me shorter legs. You are right about the sideways. I am going to look into some suggestions readers gave me. If I cannot solve it, I will just have to make sure never to let anybody see my left or right side haha.
Hearing that the boots are sexy is a total surprise to me.
Oh and by the way… keep on being honest. I love it. I need it.
I completely forgot you had bought the floral dress! Hope you wear it often as you look very nice!
I understand that you have to get used to those shoes because they aren’t very your style, but they are comfortable and match to many outfits so, keep on wearing them with dresses.
Shoes can really change an outfit and make the difference. I try to have a more modern look wearing modern shoes too and own many booties which serve the purpose…
Thanks for the support and encouragement Dan. I had the dress shortened as we discussed and found out the material is some sort of plastic haha. Doesn’t matter to me. They often experiment with materials.
I will keep wearing the shoes. Still have to check some things out about the dress.
Greetje
Hello! I do love the print of the dress on you, the navy background quite a flattering color. As someone mentioned, they look like painted flowers. I truly Like the
chunkier base of the shoe and riveted detail, edgy contrast!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess, lovely to see you here. I think I still have to try some more things with this dress to see whether I can improve the way it hangs.
Hmm, what an interesting dress. The front and back are so different it looks like two dresses put together. The tights, again, are superb. I actually like the casual poses on the couch; they seem real. Your authenticity inspires me.
Anything to get a laugh Ally. There is a clown inside me. As we didn’t have much room to make an interesting post, I tried to goof around a little for laughs.
Greetje
Hello! I do love the print of the dress on you, the navy background quite a flattering color. As someone mentioned, they look like painted flowers. I truly Like the
chunkier base of the shoe and riveted detail, edgy contrast!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess, lovely to see you here. I think I still have to try some more things with this dress to see whether I can improve the way it hangs.
I also like to see what this dress looks like on you with the bow tied at the front as I’m not convinced about the fit of this dress currently. Great to see you trying something new though both with wearing a flower dress and those shooties!
Getting out of my comfort zone, aren’t I? I know I need to go for something looking great and not settle for so/so, but experimenting means you won’t always get it right first time.
If you do try it tied in front, please post a picture. I’m dying to know how that would look. drk
I tried. No photo. The ties weren’t bad at the front, but the side seams were even worse. When I tightened the ties at the back the side seams came straight. Problem solved.
Greetje,
Greetings! I think the tights give the Max Mara floral dress an edge more than the shoes. However, the shoes do look like they would be comfortable with the lug soles.
How lovely that you live so close to Paris and can arrive within 3.5 hours.
Ha Eugenia, from IG to my blog, what fun. Thanks. I haven’t looked at it this way….. Hmm the tights alone would do the trick? I will have a look.
And yes, being in Europe means everything is close.
I hope you are having a blast in Paris! I know you are : )
I love the shooties and the tights.
The dress is just “meh” for me. While I like the pattern and colours I think that you may have been swayed because it is your favourite brand and sometimes we have rose coloured glasses when we find something in a brand we like on sale.
I’m not crazy about the cut or how it hangs on you. That said, who the hell cares what I think? LOL I’m not the one wearing the dress.
I feel the same when trying to do those sexy poses. It looks like you might be doing yoga in the one shot! LOL Maybe I need to try that the next time I take photos.
I actually liked the dress a whole lot better when you were sitting down in it.
bisous
Suzanne
I do love you so much for being honest Suzanne, really I do. You know how much I appreciate that. I think the dress is quirky but I get what you are saying. And yes the rose coloured glasses are on when I hear the brand.
The fact that I didn’t have the camera zoomed out right, making my legs look strange and short, doesn’t help the look when I am standing up. I will try some of my readers’ suggestions and see whether I can improve this dress.
I love the shoes, and I particularly love them on you! Being a florals hater myself, I think the shoes do keep the flowery dress from veering into sweetie-pie territory.
The cut of the dress is so unusual, and I think you really pull it off.
I’m so annoyed I didn’t get to join you and Susan in Paris this time 🙁
xxx
And indeed I am not a sweetie-pie person. At all. Glad you like the shoes. I need somebody who does haha. Although in my environment there are some lovers of these shoes as well.
Susan and I did talk about you this weekend and we thought it was a shame too. It was a lovely weekend. I hope to post next Sunday. You will feel even worse then (sorry).
I really like the shoes on you ….. probably would pass on them if saw in the store but you have made them look great!
I am getting more adventurous every year ?
I love the tailoring of the back of the dress it is flattering to your great figure. I agree the shoes do
modernise your look, how fortunate that they just happen to be so comfortable too.
Comfort and looks… it usually doesn’t go together, does it? I do find that as I get older, comfort is getting more priority. Although I still have outfits I love to take off as soon as I get home haha.
The floral of this dress is really beautiful and feels like a watercolor print to me. You look lovely Greetje and the shoeties just funk up the pretty a wee bit. JUST enough I think to take the floral to a new level!
I also like the patterned tights you chose to wear.
I wonder if all of that unique seaming detail made the dress ride up slightly in the front?? Who knows? and who cares for that matter! You look great!!
I’m sure Ron enjoyed a little break and I think your neighbor/ friend/ photographer brought out the playful side of your personality and I love that!!
What do you think this dress would look like with those over-the-knee boots? I say this because the sweetness of the dress would be cool juxtaposed against the sexiness of the boots. I’ll bet even Ron would approve! (?)
Great post Greetje!
I have no idea what the boots would do with the dress. It is worth a try. And eh… the tights were not chosen by me haha. I have a little helper for these tricky things. As I have more little helpers. Such as shop assistents, friends and readers like you. Two other readers also had good suggestions. You see, that is how I manage ???.
And yes Ron was pleased.
I love the “shooties”! And the tights. And the rear view of the dress. And the way the print flows diagonally across the front of the dress. I’d be tempted to add a (very) long necklace and heavy bangle bracelet or very large watch in place of the watch you’re wearing to the outfit as viewed from the front. The very large flowers in the print seem to me to call for large accessories. Maybe a bag would do it.
I love reading your posts. The way you put things together is so original 🙂
Well, you see Fran, I have lots of little helpers everywhere haha. Shop assistents, friends, readers. Together we can come up with several good outfits. Sharing those on the blog may inspire others as I am inspired too. Your suggestion for large jewellery seems like a very good idea. I have a wooden watch which is big (and a camouflage one, but that wouldn’t suit the dress). Heavy bangles, no problem. Long necklace.. no problem. I am going to try them all out. Another reader suggested to put the sash at the front instead of the back. Might also work. In the meantime I hope I have made you smile as well.
Your posts always make me smile. Thank you for your kind reply!
For some reason I keep picturing the dress with a very long strand of faux pearls with a knot tied in it, with the large watch or bangle. Large floral prints can be so hard to pull off, I think you’ve done beautifully here 🙂
Funny thing is that a friend of mine said today that this flower dress proves I don’t always have to wear a necklace haha.
lol! The dress is strong enough on its own not to *need* a necklace, I agree! We each have our own eye — some want more elements, while others may see it as clutter.
I feel exactly the same about shoes! If I saw your shooties (ha) in a store, I wouldn’t give them a second glance but they look great on you. And with the dress.
I don’t think they will become my favourite pair one day, but you never know. I just have to try harder to find combinations. I have a skirt and top which look good with them as well. And the tights make a lot of difference too.
Have you tried tying the sash in the front? I would try a flattened bow, perhaps judiciously pinned down. The dress is really pretty but somehow I think the sash is causing the migration! (I am similarly “blessed” with boobage.)
What a splendid idea Barbara. That never even dawned on me: the sash in the front. You are right in that the bow might have to be pinned down. But it might look very good and I have more than enough pins. So thank you. And you taught me another English word: judicious. Learning something new every day.
You are welcome! I do enjoy your posts and your style. The shoes and tights are fabulous.
It is a lovely floral dress indeed. I really like the dress you paired it with. Wonderful boots as well.
Your friend did a good job with taking the photos. Some of them are a bit goofy, but I actually like that. All the serious posing on fashion blogs can get a bit boring.
If there is something I always try to achieve, it is to make readers smile or laugh. That is just as important as showing clothes. Much more difficult though as not everybody likes the same humour.
yes, that’s true. 🙂
You really got it together. I agree about the shoes, yet they do work. I just purchased a top similar to yours. Thanks for the ideas.
Thanks Sandra. Usually I just make readers laugh, but it is nice to hear I give ideas too. ?
I do think both the tights and the booties add great modernism to the floral dress. But even just the interesting design on the posterior part of the dress is super fun and unexpected!!
You definitely gave us all a good laugh with those photos of you on the couch—it does make you wonder how the “real” models do it in the magazines, and look so sexy?
I see you commented about the dress moving forward & up from the side shot. I bet there’s a small alteration you could have done, to fix that—-maybe a couple small darts? I really don’t think it’s a terrible look, because no one sees us frozen in time like that (except the camera), but if it bugs you…..
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
My seamstress already shortened the dress and had a look at the seams. There is nothing she can do about it. She found out that the material is not a cloth but some sort of plastic haha. I know the Max Mara group is often experimenting with materials and apparently this is one of these experiments. I don’t mind, I can even wear polyester in summer.
Ooooh, I had a dress out of a weird material like that once, and it got all crazy when I washed it…even though it said machine washable.
🙂
We will see when I wash it. No idea. Only wore it once.