James Perse gauze shirtdress | sold out, new, similar version in Viscose at James Perse
James Perse exclusive Birkenstocks
Everlane Petra tote in Gesso | purchased with credits from Everlane
James Perse gauze shirtdress | sold out, new, similar version in Viscose at James Perse
Goldsign Virtual high-rise jeans
Everlane Petra tote in Gesso | purchased with credits from Everlane
Emerson Fry slides | gift for review from Emerson Fry
Margot Wolf necklace
Towards the end of March I went to Florida for a long weekend to see my dad & sister (whom I met there). I left first thing on Friday morning and came back first thing the following Tuesday morning. Actually, I was supposed to come back Monday, but I was flying standby only and never managed to get on a flight back Monday so I stayed an extra day. Too bad, I know!
Obviously, I was able to pack VERY lightly for this trip. As it turned out, I packed TOO lightly, ultimately, because of two reasons: first, I ended up spending an extra night, and second, it was MUCH hotter than I thought it would be.
We spent most of the three days I was there outside at a sidewalk arts festival, and for mid-March, the temperatures were unseasonably hot – in the upper 80’s, low 90’s. It’s not that I didn’t bring the right things with me for the weather, it’s that I didn’t bring ENOUGH. I did NOT want to sit around in what I had just worn outside all day when we got home, but I was very stingy with my undergarments this time, only bringing one extra pair of underwear, so I didn’t have enough to change twice a day. I had clothes I brought to wear only at home, so that was covered; it was underthings that was an issue…
Also, I wouldn’t have wanted to wear the same things days in a row in that heat. I didn’t have to, because I did pack enough to have something different to wear every day, and I’m really glad I did. But I will remember for hot/warm weather trips to bring enough so that I don’t have to wear the same exact pieces two days in a row – at least I’d like to be able to “air” things out a bit in between. And absolutely bring more un-metionables!!
Anyway, one thing I really appreciated having with me was this James Perse shirt dress. I did find it rather short to wear alone (KNEES!!!). It’s not inappropriately short by any means; just short for ME. But during the day I wore it alone, as you see in the first picture, and one evening when we went to dinner, I wore it layered over my jeans – a look I really really love. I could also wear the dress as a long jacket over a t-shirt or tank with jeans, or a shorter skirt, or whatever, so ultimately, I could have gotten three different looks out of it. And since it’s gauze (very lightweight), it airs out nicely, never really touching my body too much.
Packing List:
Goldsign Desire jean cutoff shorts – for wearing at home, DIY from 10-year old jeans
Everlane u-neck tee
Lanston racerback maxi dress
James Perse cashmere tee – for layering inside
Oak NYC dress
Vince tank top
Long James Perse tank top – to wear as a layer under the shirt dress
James Perse shirt dress
Birkenstock Arizona sandals
Emerson Fry slides – wore on the plane
Goldsign Virtual High-rise jeans – wore on the plane
James Perse casual tee – wore on the plane
James Perse long terry cardigan – wore on the plane and as a “robe” at home
What items do you have that pull double-(or triple) duty? Do you have pieces you take when you travel that can be worn multiple ways?
You may find this funny, but I have a piece that doubles as a swimsuit cover up. It’s a long white cotton no-iron shirt from Chico’s, purchased many years ago. The length comes to mid-thigh. My best friend has the same shirt, and she often wears hers over leggings (sometimes with flats, sometimes with riding boots). I haven’t included this piece in my day-to-day wardrobe like she has, but it has worked perfectly as a pool/beach cover up. I roll up the sleeves and leave the shirt unbuttoned. It provides a fair amount of coverage and looks a lot better than wrapping a towel around myself!
it’s brilliant maddie! i have a long cp shades button-up super-light-weight cotton tunic i use for a coverup at the beach, but i’ll also wear it with jeans and/or leggings in my summer travel wardrobe…
Ok so I took your advice & ordered some James Perse casual tee’s! Super excited about that too!
Another quick question for you. I typically don’t ever wear pants, slacks or jeans. Leggings yes, but pants, slakcs & jeans – like never.
Having said that, I need to get a pair or two of nice jeans for an upcoming work-related trip that will necessitate wearing nice jeans instead of my usual casual skirts or polo style dresses.
I really dig the color & wash of the jeans you wear. So my question is this, did you actually try on the jeans at a store or did you order them online & try on at home? I freaking hate to go shopping in a brick & mortar & could use some insight on how to choose jeans – perferrably online.
Also, I’m totally against anything Old Navy or JCPenney or similar type store as the esthetics & quality are seriously lacking.
Thanks again! Jane
so excited about your JP tees! please let me know how you like them!
okay…jeans. first, what is your body type? what size do you normally wear in pants/skirts/denim? do you have hips/butt and a small waist? larger legs? thinner legs and larger waist?
i always recommend going to a store and trying on jeans first if you have NO idea the designers or fit you like best. there’s such a wide variety of styles and denim out there…
do you like more cotton? or stretch? skinny? wide leg? boyfriend?
i guess if you’re going for work, i would favor a dark wash skinny jean; you can wear that with absolutely everything – tunic, cami and blazer, heels, flats, etc., etc., of course, my favorite skinny jeans are the goldsign virtual – they are the only jeans that fit ME like a glove. but you may be different. i need more info 🙂 tell me more about your style, body, etc….
5’5″
120 lbs on a reallly really good day 🙂
Normally wear (J.Crew) size 6 skirts/dresses. But if the material is pique (Lacoste polo dresses) or jersey, then I wear a large, but must have the waist nipped in otherwise the medium will “stick” and grab on to my arse. My one James Perse skirt is in size 2 & is a bit snug on the flanks after an accidental wash in a hot water cycle.
I carry weight in my stomach/hips region.
Always feels like my ribs and my hips touch even when I stand up straight! So very short torso.
My waist sinks in (hourglass-ish) but zooms out for the hip stuff.
Pudgy looking no matter how much I weigh.
The last time I wore jeans was…awhile. Like over 5 years…yeah ok,maybe closer to 8 years. I just never found the occasion. Wore scrubs to work (the only pants I did wear), but now that I’m transistioning away from patient-care, jeans or khaki’s (oh hella no) are kinda the uniform du jour.
I do know I would prefer mid-rise or higher. I’m in my 40’s, so low-rise looks (on me) would be a bit comical & muffin-toppy.
Stretchy would be ideal. Like a bit of Spandex. I like the look of skinny & I used to wear bootcuts (when I wore jeans back in the day) to help counter my hip /tush ratio. Boyfriend jeans look terrible on me – like a schlumpy wet paper-sack.
I get very frustrated with sales associates when it comes to trying on jeans in-store. Probably has to do more with me than them, but still, there just has to be a way to avoid the whole exhaustive try on 80 pairs to find the 1 that works routine.
Thank,you for taking time out to help with this! You’re really a great source of info & inspiration ,
I love that shirtdress! I love it styled both ways. They are so versatile.
Argh, I am bummed all over again that JP oversold this dress in gray. And I’m a little sad that I didn’t just cave and order it in black, even though that’s not what I really wanted at the time. It looks great on you, and I love that it is so versatile!
don’t know if you saw this, but james perse is on hautelook today – i would check there…you never know where things will pop up!!
jane, if you’re willing to pay the price, i’d try a pair of goldsign virtual high-rise jeans – i got my first pair of goldsign jeans more than 10 years ago and i still have them (they’re shorts though…) and have had 2-3 other pairs over the years. they are sturdy, hold up FOREVER and ever, and are the only jeans i’ve found that REALLY really fit my pear shape (larger hips/butt/legs and smaller waist). the high-rise is AMAZING – and sits perfectly just above my belly button, and they’re so comfortable i’ll wear them on the plane…
i have this pair, and i think they’d be great for work since they’re a uniform, dark wash, but this pair in Zagir wash is also very nice, but a bit more casual…
i’ll come up with more suggestions…and maybe do a post on it??
Awesome! Will order me a few sizes (knowing I will have to return) & give them a go in the comfort of my own home. I know it would be best to try on it store, but time is limited & my patience with trying jeans on in-store is even more limited. I’m willing to have the charges sitting on my credit card until I can get a refund rather than face another self-loathing session in front of a warped mirror under green fluorescent lights while a pushy sales assocaite tells me everything looks fabulous as she lies to my face. I pick my battles carefully, not constantly anymore!
Thank you very much Grechen for taking the time out to be of assistance. Very appreciative on my end! I’ll let you know how I fair! Jane
I do the same thing, but mine is an ebay find! I wear a Frank & Eileen white men’s shirt over my bathing suit, roll-up the sleeves, toss on my straw hat and sandals and head to the beach with my tote full of goodies.
Love the way you styled this! BOTH ways. And you know, I didn’t even think about your knees because your accessories draw the eye to your beautiful face (Chic hair, cool glasses, gorgeous necklace).