Tommy Bahama coral and turquoise capsule: WIW and K/R

Came across unfrumped's post on buying an entire capsule at once and it was very appropriate, as I did exactly that yesterday at Tommy Bahama. I spent the afternoon shopping at Macy's, WHBM, J Crew, Banana Republic and Anthro without finding anything that fit me right or that I loved. But then at the last minute I stopped by Tommy Bahama's. DH likes their Hawaiian style shirts. I was attracted to their coral and turquoise dresses and ended up buying several pieces that all matched and could go together as a nice summer travel capsule. It would be great for a cruise or Hawaii trip--everything is mix and match and packable non-iron material.

I of course wanted to wear it right away so I wore a dress and cardi today (1-6). But the rest of it is a K/R, and actually I bought two pieces in the same print because I couldn't tell which one I liked better. But looking at the pics, neither is the most flattering for my apple shape, so wondering which one I should keep (if any). Do you prefer the tunic, or maxi dress, or neither? It's a little exaggerated in the pics because of the overhead lighting casting shadows, but I do worry a little about the pregnant-looking tummy. 

I have this idea in my head that I want to wear a maxi dress for my birthday party (I'm having a combined birthday party with DD, who wanted an undersea theme with Ariel the mermaid). So I could either do the one in 10-13, or I have a sea-theme one on order from Nordstrom (#22) that might work better (yes, I'm corny about themes).

Thanks for your input!

1-6. WIW 6/27. Leaves Afire tank dress and turquoise Malia cardi (sized down to XS for a more fitted look) and turquoise tile bracelet. Yes, the matchy matchy cardi over dress look might be a little old church lady frumpish, but it was fun. I wore this to work and got lots of compliments. Can't believe how well this outfit goes with the rest of my turquoise accessories, especially the Kate Spade turquoise pumps! WHBM necklace and Cole Haan from DSW purse. And matching little man. I think this dress could work well in the summer with flat sandals and fall too with leggings and boots.

7-10. Desert Oasis tunic vs. 11-16. Desert Oasis maxi dress--which one, or neither due to apple tummy?

17-20. Cardi, coral and white tank tops and Monkey see turquoise shorts. The SA who was helping me was wearing this exact outfit and I copied her entire outfit, LOL! That's even more silly/embarrassing than ripping clothes off a mannequin or buying an entire outfit straight from the catalog picture (both of which I have also done), but she said she didn't mind and was flattered.

21. Moroccan Tile bracelets in red and turquoise.

22. Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress--on order from Nordstrom. I can't resist anything with seahorses on it! If this works, it would be in lieu of the Desert Oasis maxi dress.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

16 Comments

  • Molly L-R replied 10 years ago

    Love the leaves afire dress!  And picking one of the colours in the pattern for your cardigan is not frumpy at all!

  • missvee replied 10 years ago

    Such beautiful colours! I love the dress and cardi in 1-5 and the shorts outfit is great too. I think the maxi from Lily P will be more flattering for you because of the draped panel at the front, so I'd say return the one from Tommy B.

  • replied 10 years ago

    The dress and cardi are my absolute favourites. I think the seahorse maxi might work better for you, but I do love the print on the desert oasis pieces.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 10 years ago

    YLF!!!  You found some gorgeous pieces, and I am thinking I want to go to Tommy Bahama's now, because I adore Hawaiiana, and I have almost none of it in my closet at the moment.  Love love love #1-5, and #17-22.

    #6-16... These are so close!   The colors are gorgeous on you, and I love how you've styled both.   I think the tunic and the maxi dress can be tweaked, but I don't know if the tweaks are worth the trouble or not - I think that's a more personal decision:

    For the tunic, different, higher-waisted pants underneath.    The bulge, to my eye, is because the waistband placement of the pants underneath.

    Spanx for the dress.  I'd say try a different bra, with more lift and support.   Get those girls lifted so we can really see your waist.   Barring that.. there are always Spanx.   But for my part, I detest Spanx, so I would probably either wear control top pantyhose or the control top capri pantyhose (ugh, who wants to do that in summer?)  or return the dress and keep looking for better :) 

  • Liz A. replied 10 years ago

    I love Tommy Bahama, but I haven't gotten anything there yet.  I do think the allover pattern of the dress you have on order will work better for you at hiding what you want to hide.  You will look fab for your birthday.

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    What fun on the shared bday. I love the dress and cardi and the shorts outfit. Now I want patterned shorts too! 
    You posted last year a long maxi that you looked heavenly in - perhaps go with a style like that - similar to the last photo.

  • Kristin L replied 10 years ago

    I think everything looks great. I love all of the bright colors on you!

  • Carole replied 10 years ago

    Wow, such beautiful colors -the perfect summer capsule! Agree, that some spanx might help the maxi, the other dress might be worth a go and still fit nicely in with your new capsule.

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    You look great in the first outfit and the shorts outfit!  I love the colors and pattern of the tunic and maxi dress but neither are as flattering on you as I'd like.  They don't seem up to the same caliber as the rest of your wardrobe.  I would return them and hope the LP dress works better.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    OMG, I love that acid turquoise. Esp. the shoes. It's just *kapow*. You could live in this, definitely :D

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    #1 is fab to the max, but I'm not as sure about the others, since you have options, and can get better fit (as seen in #1) if you keep looking. But the color palette and accessorizing is just gorgeous.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Love #1. The orange and blue maxi dress has to be the prettiest print ever, but it does seem to call attention to where you want to divert attention away. Seahorse maxi might be better and just as fun.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    #1 is totally gorgeous on you, Natalie! Love! (And love how your little man matches, too...) 

    For the maxi, I'll bet the shape of the seahorse will be more flattering. Plus it will totally fit the theme. So I would return the Tommy maxi and try that one. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Oh my Natalie - pics #1 and #2 take my breath away! You look stunning in this combination and the colours are just perfect for you.

    I agree with the others about trying the seahorse maxi.

  • Debra replied 10 years ago

    What a gorgeous capsule, swap maxi dresses then book your holiday :)

  • nancylee replied 10 years ago

    WOW, these colors are lovely (and some of my favs) on you!  Love all of these looks, Natalie.  And color loves you back.

    (You do have to stop putting your cute kids in the photos, though, because they steal the show with their extreme cuteness!)

You need to be logged in to comment