The Thrifty Six in Tropical Paradise & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #280
The Thrifty Six are back and it was my turn to choose our style theme for this month. I have to be honest with you, I had the dress in the mind before I chose the theme making this much less of a challenge for me. But I found this vibrant green tropical print slip dress on a winter thrifting adventure and it was begging for an occasion to be worn. So I made up a theme that went with the dress and I ran with it. My thrifty friends didn’t seem to mind though because they brought out some of the prettiest preloved outfits perfect for a tropical paradise.
Although I don’t really know what would be perfect for a tropical paradise as I have never been to the tropics in my life. I have visited subtropical regions but have never ventured deeper into the oppressive heat and humidity of the tropics. And I am not sure that I really want to. While I am certain there are astonishingly beautiful places to visit in the tropics, I have never much had the desire to go to any of them. I always have been and apparently will always be much more of a cold weather gal than an overheated mess of sweat. But give me some mild summer weather and I am all about a tropical inspired outfit.
Let me tell you about this dress. The day I discovered it on the thrift shop rack, I also found a whole bunch of other brilliant things that I didn’t really need. This is a common theme during my thrifting adventures. I give myself a budget that I always end up breaking. Since it was in the middle of winter, I nearly put this dress back on the rack in favor of the more wintery items I had in my cart. But something about the color and the bold floral print were irresistible to me. Also I have been wanting to add a few more slip dresses to my summer wardrobe. So for $5.99 I decided I should keep the dress and save it for warmer weather.
And then warmer weather seemed like it was never coming. But spring temperatures have finally arrived just in time for the summer solstice! And finally I can bare my shoulders, my legs, and my toes…for brief periods of time before I get too chilly. That’s where my extensive kimono collection comes in handy as well as my overabundant hoard of socks.
I chose my tropical print kimono in white and green because I loved the contrast of floral prints together and the colors were all perfectly coordinated as well. My kimono was purchased at retail from Target a few years ago. In fact, the only preloved item in my outfit this time is my dress. But that’s okay because that’s the only requirement for this style series…at least one piece, the part of the outfit that fits the chosen theme, must be thrifted or preloved.
The dress had two fabric strips attached on each side of the waist that could be tied in either the back or the front. Except the placement of the ties was more aligned with my hips and looked incredibly awkward no matter which way I tied them. So I cut them off with scissors and tied them into my braid instead for a coordinating hair accessory.
Then I added my starfish necklace that I purchased at a cute little boutique in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, a few years ago. While starfish can be found in every ocean of the world, I tend to always associate them with tropical coral reefs. Then I added my Mystique earrings that were gifted to me from Big Earrings. I specifically chose these earrings because they are crafted from tagua nuts which grow from a palm tree in the tropical rainforests of Ecuador.
A colorful straw bag and platform espadrille slides seemed to fit the tropical vibe as well and complete my look for a Northern New York temperate paradise.
And there you have it…an outfit suitable for any paradise, tropical, subtropical, temperate, and even the warmer months of sub-polar regions.
Now let’s check out my thrifty friends in their Tropical Paradise looks.
The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
The Stylish Thrifters:
- Emma of Style Splash
- Grace of Graceful Rags
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Emma of Style Splash
Grace of Graceful Rags
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
And Me!
Have you ever been to the tropics? Maybe you live in the tropics? I would love to hear what kind of style you would wear for a tropical paradise.
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked): Gail of Is This Mutton?
Fashion Favorite: Sally of Within a World of My Own
Other Favorite: Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress-Thrifted / Kimono-Target / Shoes-Steven Madden (DSW) / Earrings-c/o Big Earrings / Necklace-Gift shop in Jim Thorpe, PA / Bag-Burlington Coat Factory
40 Comments
Christina Morley
That is a nice thrift store find! It’s a really pretty summer dress and that was a good idea to cut the awkward ties and use them as a hair accessory. Enjoy your warmer weather and thanks for hosting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tina! I figured why let a good dress go to waste because of some weird tie placement! Creative configuring is my jam!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
You look like you’re strolling down the boardwalk toward the beach in a tropical paradise location. Your green, tropical dress was a steal for only $5.99! Thank you for hosting the link-up and for participating in Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 23.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Carol! I do love finding unique preloved pieces and then playing dress up and pretending it’s a tropical paradise!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
I love your tropical look! I wouldn’t mind going to the Carribean one of these days! The pairing is really great with the kimono as it really looks like the 2 prints were meant to be together! I have a thing for tropical prints too!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I was really pleased with how well the kimono and dress coordinated. I hope you are having a marvelous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Your generous spirit shows through in all your collaborations!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Michele, thank you so much! I really appreciate that! I hope you are having a blessed week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I really love your dress!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
What a fun outfit challenge! I love all of the interpretations of outfits for tropical paradise from the thrifty six ladies. Your floral on floral mix is perfect, and what a great find the dress was! Thanks for sharing and have a sun-shiney week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Di! This was a super fun challenge and the outfits all turned out so marvelous! It is getting super hot here now with some rain moving in to hopefully cool it down a bit. I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Love the combination of the dress with the kimono!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I thought they coordinated really well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I say the more tropical prints, the merrier! Those look like cute, comfy shoes too 😉
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! Actually, these shoes are utterly uncomfortable! They tear into the top of my feet so badly that I only wear them if I am not going to be walking much. They are definitely “siting shoes”!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
Looks perfect for the tropics to me!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Tamar!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
This may be one of the prettiest outfits ever, Shelbee! But, it has flowers so of course I’m going to love it! I really like how you used the ties in your braids. I can braid my hair into the most pathetic little thing now…I’ll need to try to do something like that before I get it cut next! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! I have always loved all floral prints, too. Actually, I am all dressed in floral again today and ready to go do a photoshoot! I was going to add more adornments to my hair today but I got lazy. I want to see your hair in a cute little braid! Definitely take some photos before you get it cut!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
It sure sounds like you have some good luck at thrift stores-which really isn’t a bad thing. I mean it’s good for the environment and in the long run you are probably saving money, right? This dress was a great find. I think it looks lovely on you and I really like the floral print mixing you did!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! I do love to go hunting in the thrift shops but I don’t think I really save any money because I always buy way more than I should! Haha. But it is definitely better for the environment and you can find some really fun and unique things in the thrift shops. I need to clean out more clothes before I start adding anything else new or preloved though!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
I love the two pieces you’re wearing Shelbee, what a fab choice you made. Rather liking all the other outfits too. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Jacqui! I was really pleased with how well these pieces coordinated!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I adore the mixing of these tropical prints! I want this look for myself for a night of cocktails on my deck. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I was so happy with how well these two piece went together. This would be a perfect deck sitting outfit for summer cocktails!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
What a great print! I often times finding off season things while thrifting and that is the best time to get them. I recently found several Free People tops that will be perfect come fall.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I am always buying off season things because the seasons where I live always seem to be lagging a whole season behind the rest of the northern hemisphere! Haha. I look forward to seeing your Free People tops! I love so many of their things.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking like you need to be on the beach enjoying the weather. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Patrick! I do need a vacation after our camping trip! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Oh how I love this chic easy-breezy look Shelbee! The dress is so cute – I adore the green on you. Always beautiful and smiling!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, thanks so much, Lucy! This green and the bold print mix really made me smile bigger than normal!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I love your dress! We went on a cruise for our honeymoon that sailed in the northen part of the tropics and with cool sea breezes it often felt much cooler than say North or South Carolina (in the summer obviously; not the winter). I’ve always wanted to go back!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Joanne! Oh that sounds like a beautiful honeymoon! I have only been on one cruise and that was to Bermuda which is sub-tropical. Sub-tropical weather I can enjoy. I think tropical weather would be too much for me to tolerate. But given the opportunity, I would probably travel to most any place as long as I can always come back home to my temperate Northern New York climate!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Gorgeous! I love everything about this outfit. The green tropical print of the dress (of course you had to keep that dress in your your cart – it’s green!), and the fabulous print mixing.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehehe, thanks so much, Michelle! I definitely could not resist the color of this dress and I do love a bold print mix!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lyosha
I love this outfit! it’s so radiant, it makes me smile when I look through your photos. looks comfy too
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lyosha! I really appreciate your kind words!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
The dress and kimono look as if they were made for each other! Very honored to be readers’ favorite last week. Thanks for linking
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I was really pleasantly surprised by how well these two pieces coordinated. I love when that kind of magic happens in my closet!
xoxo
Shelbee