Style Series: The Purple Mini

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Style Series is an installment on YBC to help get me out of my leggings & lipstick go-to look. I've always, obviously, wanted to feel put together, but growing up, I really never took the time to try to figure out what looks good on my body type, so this series is all about trying to figure that out.

Going through this photos made me smile because we shot this at the end of a fabulous day of sailing while in Greece. The hair you're seeing is literally beach hair that can only be recreated through sun, salt water, air drying, and repeating. Ugh, what a great hair day that was! 

Anyway, let's get to it with today's style post - the perfect purple mini.  

Susana Monaco mini dress

There's something about having a go-to dress you always feel good in. It just makes things easy and I'm a believer that if you're confident in what you wear, it'll show. This is one of those dresses for me, by Susana Monaco. I am a big fan of her stuff. I own three dresses, and they are all exceptionally well made out of super high quality fabric that is medium thickness which offers slight compression so you feel hugged in all the right places. The cuts are always flattering, and this one I love for its ruche detailing across the front which I find not only comfortable but pretty forgiving after you eat a big meal. :) 

The other thing I love is how high the armpit is cut. You don't get any of that weird side boob armpit thing going on at all. It also has a shelf bra, which, upon discovery, I sort of rolled my eyes at, because who finds shelf bras helpful in the least when you have a bigger cup size?! But, lo and behold, the shelf bra actually provides decent support. I just placed one of those light sports bra insert cups within to a little extra coverage. You don't even need fashion tape or anything, because the shelf bra has a decent amount of compression, so the cup won't fall out.  

Her dresses go for about $175, but I got this one on sale for $60 on Amazon (it's still available in Large!) and there are a whole bunch on sale below

And if you're not on a budget, here are full price dresses I am loving by Susana Monaco:

For the shoes, I wore these handmade beauties I got for like twenty five euro while in Santorini. I debated on them for days, and eventually wound up getting two different pairs because I knew I would get a ton of wear out of them. I broke out of my comfort zone a bit and got the metallic style and love that while they're still casual, they can dress up an outfit a little bit. Below are some other Greek sandals I love:

Take me back to Greece!

So that's about it - an easy, simple summer dress I always feel good in! I'd love to hear if you have a favorite go-to dress you love. What about it makes you want to put it on? What makes you feel confident in what you wear?

Style Series: Budget Friendly Señorita Vibes

Forever21 is so hit or miss for me. I either love the piece or loathe it - never in the middle - and luckily, this dress was the former. And, bonus, it was under $30 bucks. 

I have been loving the look of ruffles on every girl I walk by on the street, but for some reason haven't had the best of luck finding anything besides this one shoulder top that fell just right on me.

Off the shoulder dress

I tried on so many different pieces, but If the fabric were too stiff, I felt like a short, stalky palm tree. If the fabric were too lightweight, I felt like I was wearing a sad looking curtain. Truth be told, I initially felt curtain vibes when I put this on, but quickly changed my mind about it once I walked around in it. Sometimes you just need to get out of your comfort zone, and that's what this dress was all about for me.

I like that it's fun and flirty with a vibrant mosaic print and body con style that I feel so much more secure in than fit and flare style dresses, and I love that I could just as easily wear it to a summer wedding as a night out. Below are a few other affordable señorita styles all under $50

Off the shoulder mosaic dress

If you want to know the truth, I forgot that I was wearing my necklaces. I like jewelry that I don't have to think about too much, so in all honesty, I actually forgot I was wearing these until I saw the pics, and wound up really liking the look. Below are a few other options, all under fifty.

Señorita dress

I kept the shoes really minimal. These are actually very uncomfortable, if you want to know the truth, but I love how simple they are, and I've worn them to dinner and to a wedding without too much of an issue. A couple hours is about all I can stand, though. Anything longer, and I'll be needing one of those fold up pairs of flats that you can stuff and your purse! Below are a few other pairs of heels I love, all under $50

Are you into the ruffled dress look? I'd love to hear your thoughts on trying new trends - yay or nay?