A Flirty Wedding Guest Option

If you read yesterday’s weekly recap, the fourth time was the charm! I finally managed to snap pics of this pretty navy dress. I find navy really hard to photograph since it oftentimes just looks black on camera—I think this sunny location was perfect to highlight the dark blue shade.

This post was actually intended for this month’s Thrifty Six collaboration, but I am sharing a week late… Ugh, I’m so sorry! Anyway, Jodie chose the theme Hot to Trot for August, which caused quite the stir in the group. I wasn’t familiar with the phrase, so a quick Google search revealed that it means ready and willing/eager to do something. But Nancy informed us that it has a particular sexual connotation… ha! It definitely added to the fun of the theme, but Jodie explained that her main motivation for choosing this prompt is that August is generally hot hot hot, especially in Arizona where she lives.

Right away, I knew I would wear one of my many thrifted dresses for this theme because I always gravitate towards dresses and skirts when it’s hot out—they’re just so much cooler on your legs than skin-clinging shorts or pants. I decided on this ruffle navy dress because it’s fun and flirty, and you could say the deep v-neck might indicate some hot to trot (wink wink).

It doesn’t look that deep in these photos, but I think this dress is the most plunging piece I own! I wore it with my favorite sticky bra from Target that makes your boobs look so good. Although, the bra starts to slip and lose its stickiness if you sweat too much, so I’m just now realizing maybe this wasn’t the best option for the heat-related theme…

I paired the dress with my lavender floral purse from Kate Spade. It’s a little springy for this late in the summer, but I wasn’t sure what other bag to pair with the navy—perhaps the green vintage clutch from this outfit? I accessorized with crystal earrings and this beautiful necklace from Shop LC, as well as my glossiest red lip gloss to keep with the flirty theme. Of course, I opted to keep my hair up because nothing is worse on a hot day than sweaty hair matted to your neck!

I absolutely love the femininity of the one-sided ruffle neckline. My only complaint is that the top ruffle doesn’t stay where it should… I was thinking while taking these pics today that maybe I should try ironing it flat to get the ruffles to stay in place. My boyfriend and I are attending a wedding in mid-September, and this dress is high up there as a contender! I might decide that it’s too summery for fall nuptials, but I think navy is such a good option for a wedding compared to black.

Lastly, the shoes. I bought these strappy heels my freshman year of high school to wear to a friend’s quinceañera. I was SO excited—up until that point it was one of the fanciest events I had attended! It was on the roof of one of the only skyscrapers in Boise and so chic, with an amazing view of the Treasure Valley. I’ll never forget how extravagant it was. I remember trying to convince my mom that I too should have a quinceañera since I’m a quarter Puerto Rican and have a very Hispanic last name, but she wasn’t buying it, ha! I haven’t worn the shoes much since then but whenever I do, I think of that fun night.

Now I know I’m posting late, but be sure to swing by my thrifty friends’ blog posts to see how they interpreted the Hot to Trot theme! I love that Shelbee styled red and cowgirl boots—such a fun and unique interpretation of the prompt.

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style:

“When Jodie announced the theme I had to Google it first because I had no idea what she meant. I got from Google: eager to have sex. Well, I was sure Jodie didn’t mean that. Then I understood that it meant that you didn’t feel like doing anything. And then I understood that you actually felt like doing something! So I still don’t get it but I do have an outfit for you. This dress is years old and I actually only wear it at home. On such a nice long warm summer evening were I still want to look nice instead of sitting all evening in shorts that I already wore the whole day. This dress fits so wonderfully, is sleeveless, stretchy and short enough for a summer evening at home. The dress is from Vinted and also has pockets! So, hot to trot to do nothing but sit and enjoy a summer evening, or hot to trot because I can’t wait to enjoy a summer evening! Hope you still understand what I mean, lol!”

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style:

“Summers here in Arizona are the time when you wear things that are loose and feel good. I’m actually wearing a thrifted yellow dress for my top, (don’t believe me? I included the photo) and then this colorful, thrifted maxi skirt. Absolutely everything is thrifted and works for our 100-degree weather.”

Emma of Style Splash:

“I really wasn’t sure what to make of the theme ‘Hot to Trot’ – my first thought was to pick hot colours or maybe dressing for hot weather. This outfit combines both of those elements. And everyone turns lobster red when they get too hot don’t they? I’m obsessed with this print from Fabienne Chapot. I bought this dress, plus a top and trousers in the same print – all preloved. I already owned another dress in this print too! I’ve added a chunky necklace I bought on eBay, sunglasses from a vintage shop, and a clutch bag from Zara.”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge:

“I struggled with this hot to trot theme and then after a meditative yoga session, it all came to me! I focused on red for the hot part and horses and cowgirl boots for the trot part. My red satin slip skirt, red tank top, and brown cowgirl boots were all purchased secondhand and my brown corduroy ruana (which has horses and other Native American motifs embroidered on it) was handmade by me a few weeks ago. The rest of my accessories (belt, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces) are old from my personal collection. The only recently purchased brand new item is my red/burgundy Panama hat which I think emphasized the theme perfectly! Red hot from my head down with trotting boots on my feet!”

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade:

“Hot to trot – that’s the T6 theme this month – it means different things to different people. For me it’s sexy equestrian; there’s something sooooo alluring about jodhpurs and a riding crop… and especially this dressage inspired look. I feel like a character from a Jilly Cooper novel… I’ve never read ‘Riders’ but I think they were all pretty ‘hot to trot’!!!”

. . . . .

What do you think of the Hot to Trot theme? What would you have worn? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Navy Dress: Thrifted, $1, last worn here | Navy Heels: DSW, $40 ($10 per wear), last worn here | Lavender Floral Purse: Kate Spade New York, gift, last worn here