EMBROIDERED MEXICAN FLORAL DRESSES

The best purchases you will ever make are things that never go out of style. A classic blazer, a great pair of pumps, a structured handbag, a trench coat, a pleated midi skirt…I could go on. The one thing you might not jump to put on the list is a Mexican Puebla dress. It’s an embroidered floral dress, traditionally created and worn by Mexican women.

When I visited Cabo with my mother over 15 years ago, we searched for the better part of an afternoon for the perfect Mexican Puebla blouse. I wanted just the right weight and color of fabric and the perfect colors in the embroidery. We found it, and many years later, I still love it. You may have seen me wearing it on Instagram in the post about my famous Cadillac Margarita.

So when I saw this amazing dress from Zara, I had to have it. Because I knew it was also a classic. Something that I would reach for every summer. It’s happy and festive and perfectly feminine. So today, I’m sharing a few favorite brands that focus on this style of dress, along with many styles you can shop.

First up is Mi Golondrina, a company who has built partnerships with over 600 artisans throughout Mexico. Not only do they create beautiful apparel, but by doing so, the artisans are able to provide for their children and families through the income they receive. This beautiful maxi is Rosalia Arroyo. I almost don’t have words for it. The off-the-shoulder design, the lace insets on the skirt, and its beautiful silhouette and flow are just magnificent. (Shop directly via their site.)

A friend I met on Instagram introduced me to Santa Lupita after she became aware of my love for this style of clothing. Many of their designs are presently sold out, but the company informed me that they’re restocking within the next week. This is my favorite, and I have my eye on it. It’s the Simplicity Lounge Dress. (Shop directly via their site.)

In addition to the dresses above, click on the images below to shop this collection. Happy Summer! It’s going to be a good one!

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THE MAXI SKIRT - A WARDROBE ESSENTIAL

Every season, I try to acquire a few pieces that will be part of my uniform, i.e. things about which people will say, “Didn’t she just wear that?” I like to dip my toes into the latest trend as much as the next gal, but it’s usually only one piece. And I typically won’t splurge on it because I’m unlikely to get my money’s worth if the trend fades too quickly. I prefer to spend on timeless classics. It’s always fun to do the “cost per wear” equation. Even my husband, who typically doesn’t like to spend money, gets on board with that justification for investment items.

The older I get, the less I like myself in shorts. But if you’ve ever spent a summer in New York City or Washington, DC, where I grew up, you have lived the “dog days of summer.” Hot and humid. Sometimes unbearable. So in many ways, a skirt covering the legs is preferable. Nothing sticking to your legs or rubbing your thighs (because my thighs seem to have a great affinity for one another).

For all of these reasons and then some, I love a good maxi skirt. The main reason is versatility. And I’ve featured only two of the many ways to style it here. 1) A simple tank bodysuit or tank top for warmer days. 2) To go easily from day to night and/or to wear in cooler weather, throw on a sweater. 3) Wear over a bathing suit to the beach. 4) Pair with cool sneakers and a t-shirt for a more casual look. 5) Dress up with a pair of high heels…wedges, stilettos, or a block heel. The possibilities are endless. Obviously a solid color maximizes versatility. But many patterns are perfect, as well, with a solid piece on top.

I’m sharing some of my favorite maxi skirts available this season, along with all of the items in this post if you want to snag my exact look. Simply click on the images below. The skirt runs TTS. I’m wearing this bodysuit, and it also runs TTS…I have a very small bust and a long torso and am wearing XS. For jewelry, I’m wearing the pieces that you see on me very frequently, my birthstone and letter necklaces from Haverhill Collection and my 4 mm Gold Cluster Bracelet from Adler Grier.

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