Please don’t judge me for this, but I’ve always thought that kimonos worn out of context are tacky. Don’t get me wrong, traditional ones are absolutely beautiful, and when worn on the right occassion, they are absolutely stunning. Wearing them outside of a special occasion seemed like cultural misappropriation, but I’ve finally discovered the merits of them.
My friend Sasha recently launched her online shopping destination, Sashion, which makes independent designers from China accessible to the rest of the world. She graciously offered to deliver me a couple of pieces to style and I couldn’t help but lust after this kimono-inspired maxi dress by Michelly Mo.
Although this piece was designed to be a dress, I’m not one to flash an Angelina Jolie at work, so I paired it up with my favorite ripped jeans for a different look. From a distance, the silhouette pulls off the appearance of a dress, but from close up, it gives the slight peek-a-boo of my jeans.
Slipping this dress on was probably the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life when it comes to putting on clothes. The elastic waist simulates a wrap-around look, but without the constricting factor. And although the act of putting on the dress was simple, it in itself was not.
The casual cinched waist paired together with the deep V-cut neckline proved to be an impeccably chic duo. And although the large swathes of fabric may first appear to be overpowering on my petite frame, I felt that the ripped details on the jeans helped to break up the overall solid blue colorblocking scheme that I had going on. And yes my jeans are blue too, but the differing shade peaking out from in between the maxi’s slit also helps with the drowning in blue issue.
But the draping fabric doesn’t faze me. I love how simple yet elegant the cut of the dress is – it can easily transition from a casual outfit into the perfect summer wedding dress. Nope, not for getting married in, but for attending a wedding. I know that the bold color will not only make a statement, but the elastic waste is perfect for indulging in all of the possible wedding goodies (yes, I plan ahead for eating – no shame!).
Pairing this dress with a pair of nude heels easily turns it from casual to formal without having to sacrifice the comfort of a casual outfit. There’s nothing that I hate more than putting myself in a dress that I can’t move around in. When it comes to weddings, you have to be able to eat and drink as much as you want (I confess, I’m a huge glutton), and be able to dance the night away a well. How else do you expect to burn off all of those calories that you racked up from dinner?
Besides being excited to style this dress for some upcoming weddings this summer, I’ll also be taking over Sashion’s Instagram account (@Sashion_CA) all day tomorrow to give you guys a quick glimpse into a day of my life. So make sure to check in over there and follow along to find out what a typical Friday for me at work is like!
Dress – c/o Sashion | Jeans – Urban Outfitters | Shoes – Zara | Bag – Dynamite
