June, 2014 - The Seventh Sphinx

It’s getting hot in Boston.

While white linen is extremely likely to show any markings and certain to become hopelessly rumpled, there is something about it I cannot resist. Even (and especially) wrinkled all to hell, I think white linen looks great. More so than linen in other colors, somehow.

pearlicious

Linen shirt and shorts (thrifted), J Crew belt, suede clutch* from The Old Laundrette (Etsy), freshwater pearl bracelets (eBay), freshwater pearl studs and pearl ring from Pearl Paradise, cherry Tahitian pearl necklace from Pearls of Joy, gladiator sandals (eBay), retro sunglasses (eBay (cheap)). On the lips: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in La Favorite ( a much brighter pink in person, and lovely in texture, truly velvet-like).

*This was the second style I chose to fulfill the envelope clutch quest I mentioned a few posts ago. I’m tempted to go for this kind of honey, cognac shade every time, virtually independent of context. So predictable.

I’ve been searching for a great white summer dress for decades now, it seems. Somehow it’s eluding me.

I’m imagining a drapey (a heavy silk-like cotton blend, imagine) white maxi dress with a casual Grecian look. Something like this, though this dress only looks the thing from the side, and upon investigation is no good.

Last year I picked up this ‘Goddess Maxi’ from Victoria’s Secret. No longer on their site but you can still find it around. It’s a bit too formal, though, to meet the criteria of the quest. The fabric itself is a little fussy, heavy and stretchy with a slight slickness, and the gathering detail in the front also feels fancy to me. Pretty, but not the one.

I considered their knife-pleat maxi, too,* but decided it’s better in color (I like the navy), and anyway it doesn’t come in white.

*I usually find Victoria’s Secret hopelessly tacky but once in a while I really like a piece of clothing, and I like their bikinis and their simple cotton underwear, too.

Anybody have a recommendation for me?

I could also happily turn in the direction of a 40s midi dress, I think.

If you see one like this, tell it I’d like to meet it.

images via pinterest

Month: June 2014

white linen

dress quest: the white maxi