So, I think we can agree that the tropical trend is a lot of fun and worth checking out, but can you score the trend on a budget? I tested proposition by heading off to my local Kohl's to try to create an entire tropical look without breaking the bank. The result? A really fabulous outfit, I think you'll agree:
Finding my main attraction -- the Apt. 9 Mosaic Empire Maxi Dress in Mendi Orange -- was super easy. Kohl's is currently stocked with a huge assortment of summer dresses in both solids and fabulous prints, including florals and abstracts. Finding a great tropical trend dress was so easy that I was actually walking around with a whole armful before heading off to the dressing room. What sold me on this dress was the soft, yet substantial fabric with a lightly lined bust area. That means no worrying about VPL or other fit issues, which is exactly what we all hope for in an easy Summer dress.
→ Buy the Apt. 9 Mosaic Empire Maxi Dress, $36.00 (was $60.00), at kohls.com.
I set off for the accessories department next. I knew I wanted something colorful and not too precious to set off the gorgeous orange color of the dress. I was surprised to find a lot of really fabulous, quality made jewelry at excellent prices. I especially loved that so much of the seasonal jewelry clearly went together, but without being matchy-matchy (I hate that). The ready-made arm parties were a particularly great deal, and I snagged a matte silvertone and turquoise set from the daisy fuentes label to pair with my dress. It contained 6 different bracelets, not all of which I chose to wore with my dress. That's the great thing about these sets -- you can mix and match to create all sorts of looks.
→ Buy the daisy fuentes Silver Tone Bead Bangle & Simulated Turquoise Stretch Bracelet Set, $22.00 (was $40.00), at kohls.com.
A bold SONOMA life + style turquoise seed bead necklace was the perfect accompaniment to the dress. The necklace is substantial enough to fill the neckline, but really lightweight and easy to wear. I'm already looking forward to wearing it with a simple white tank and khakis for a summer look that is sleek and classy, but lots of fun. I get so excited when I find a piece that I immediately want to wear a half dozen different ways. I must not be the only one in love with this necklace because it's already sold out online. I'd definitely hit up your local Kohl's to see if you can find it in store. It's a great Summer find!
Finally, I topped off the outfit with the perfect vacation flip-flops -- the SONOMA life + style Stone Flip-flops in turquoise -- and a versatile summer cross-body bag -- the Croft & Barrow Sedona Crochet Cross-Body Handbag in bamboo. I adore that the flip-flop straps are metallic gold under the stones. It's a simple detail that adds a lot of style to the shoes. And the crochet bag reminds me so much of a much-loved black crochet bag I bought at a street fair when I was living in Florence, only my street fair find didn't have the interior and exterior zip pockets of this Kohl's purchase. A total upgrade!
→ Buy the SONOMA life + style Stone Flip-flops, $11.99 (was $20.00), at kohls.com.
→ Buy the Croft & Barrow Sedona Crochet Cross-Body Handbag, $23.40 (was $39.00), at kohls.com.
Altogether, this is one of my favorite full outfit purchases in a long time. The look is super on-trend, buy laid back and really comfy. It will definitely be one of my go-to vacation outfits all summer. And, would you believe, the entire outfit -- dress, accessories, shoes and all -- set me back just $109 and change?? Insane.
Visit the Kohl’s Style File to learn more about the hottest trends for this Summer!
Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.
