Multicolored Flounce Top Maxi

I’ve just returned from a week-long trip back home in California’s Central Valley.  It was hot.  Like really hot.  But I always enjoy my time with friends and family on my semi-annual trips back to the West Coast.

This trip, however, I had the honor of witnessing one of my favorite couples (and the most awesome high school sweethearts I know) finally tie the knot!  It was a beautifully stunning outdoor wedding at a Paso Robles winery in near 100-degree weather, but the real heat came from the radiant glow of the gorgeous bride and gushing pride of the lucky groom!  

Weddings are a great way to catch up with old friends (and in this case, many of whom I hadn’t seen in YEARS!) but are also an awesome reason to dress up and play with fun summer colors!  When I laid eyes on this breathtaking flounce-top maxi on a mannequin at h&m, I pinned it for a perfect summer-time event dress.  The vibrantly rich and colorful pattern brings a wow factor to the dress’ simple silhouette, and the warm hues perfectly compliment the warmth of those sunny summer days.

You’ll have to excuse the crooked necklace… sometimes when the boy is taking the shots, he doesn’t quite pick up on these things :P (I love you anyway!)

I decided to keep the jewelry simple, letting the attention instead go to the dress.  A simple gold bangle (the shell-inlay one featured in this post), cultured pearl earrings, and a strand of faux pearls were enough to accent the star of the show.  But an outdoor summer outfit isn’t complete without a pair of shades and the signature sunhat!  I am loving this floppy-yet-structured white sunhat I picked up from Target.  It provides ample coverage from the heat of the overhead sun and features a lovely straw-colored trim.  But it also looks great on!  I didn’t take advantage of it here, but for those that want to personalize it a bit more, it’s easy enough to tie a colorful scarf or ribbon at the base of the brim to match any outfit!  

maxi | h&m
pearl earrings | tiffany & co
bracelet | banana republic
faux pearls | amazon
sunhat, wedges | merona target
sunglasses | loft

For other wedding-guest friendly outfit ideas, take a peek at this mint lace dress or this stunning purple hi-lo maxi!  As always, I’m so glad you dropped by!  I’d love to hear from you so please leave your thoughts in the comments below :)  Happy “it’s officially summer”!
-pfht