Stripe Shirt Dress, Life Update + WW Link Up

stripe shirt dress

*This post contains sponsored content and affiliate links.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that I love here on Threads for Thomas.

Happy Friday, again!  Sorry that I have been MIA from the blog this past week, but I have a couple of reasons for my absence.  The first being that I was on vacation!  We enjoyed a little family time in Cape Cod, and couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather.  Because we are usually at the lake, it was the twins first time at the ocean (and on a big beach) and they LOVED it.  I think I turned them into beach bums, because now every morning they tell me that they want to go back to the beach!  We stayed in Orleans, MA, where my parents rent a beach house every year.  We spent the mornings exploring, the afternoons at the beach, and the evenings grilling or eating way too many french fries and lobster rolls (well, except for me, I'm not a huge lobster fan).  It was the perfect trip for enjoying the last of summer by soaking up some sun and unplugging.  However, I made sure to snap some photos of this shirt dress because I wanted to share it with you.  It was perfect for our Cape trip, as it easily took me from the beach to dinner.

I added this stripe shirt dress to my wardrobe right before our trip, and it couldn't have come at a better time.  Not only do I love the casual, yet preppy feel, but this dress is light weight, making it a perfect beach cover up.  I threw it on over my bathing suit during the day, then for dinner I added some gold jewelry and sandals to dress it up.

As for fit, this dress runs on the small side.  I am wearing a size medium (I'm 5'7" and wear a D bra for reference).  Although the shoulders and length of the dress were perfect, the bust was a tad too small, causing the top button to pull.  Since I wore it over my bathing suit, I was able to keep the top button undone, however, I can easily add a fitted tank or bandeau underneath to prevent the pulling.

How to style it for the fall

Since this dress is new to my wardrobe, I do plan on wearing it into the fall.  I think it would look great with a pair of boots (either booties or over-the-knee would work), and layered under a cardigan or leather jacket for extra warmth.

perfect beach look

affordable stripe dress

affordable stripe shirt dress

perfect day to night beach look

Someone didn't want to take a nap, and insisted on taking photos with me (although I couldn't get him to look at the camera)!

button front shirt dress

The second reason that I have been absent from the blog is because I've been reevaluating what I want for Threads for Thomas.  If I am being completely honest, I have gotten tied up in sharing all of the must-have trends, that I have lost my sense of personal style, and what works for my everyday life.  Don't get me wrong, everything that I share here on Threads for Thomas (sponsored or not) are items that I have personally picked out and stand behind.  However, I have way too many items hanging in my closet that I have only worn once, because they don't fit into my 'stay at home mom of two toddlers' lifestyle.  

I believe in investing in quality pieces that are going to last you seasons to come, then finding a few trendy, less expensive items for each season.  Although I do show this on the blog, I feel most things that I have been sharing lately are all trendy, and I now have 20 bell sleeve tops that are just sitting in my closet collecting dust.  I love them, but I really don't need more than two.

Along with getting back to my true sense of style, I want to share more of my everyday life on the blog.  I have recently gotten into skincare (which I should have started years ago), and want to let you know about all of my awesome finds.  In addition to beauty, did you know that working out and clean eating are a huge factor in my life?  Let me know if you would be interested in reading about my workout routine, or want me to share any recipes.  And finally, the biggest factor in my life are my kids.  I never talk about them, or about being a mom here on the blog, but it is such a huge part of my life, that I want to start sharing about it and motherhood experiences.

So thank you for baring with me while I take this to reevaluate.  It means the world to me that you take time out of your busy day to visit my little space on the Internet.  Whether you're visiting for the first time, or are a loyal reader, I just want to thank you for all of your support, and I can't wait to share all the exciting things to come!


blue and white stripe dress

Dress: c/o Zaful| Hat: T.J. Maxx (similar here)| Sandals: Sam Edelman| Sunnies: BP. (similar here)| Earrings: Nickel & Suede| Bracelet: Kendra Scott| Necklaces: Sarah Chloe| Lipcolor: LipSense in Fire N' Ice





 photo signature_zpsa8076caf.png
Linking up with these blogs here




The feature blogger is Meagan of Meagan's Moda.  I'm obsessed with this double denim look, and her maternity style.  Make sure to stop by Meagan's blog and say hello!



64 comments

  1. Such a cute shirt dress, I agree it's perfect for a beach trip! And a very fun hat too.

    Good luck with the change of direction for your blog! :) I've been shopping less even though I have a fashion blog - I want to focus more on different ways to wear things I already own and not constantly need to buy new things. Not shopping for 7 months was very eye opening!


    Thank you for the link up!

    Hope you are having a good week :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Wow, seven months! I wish I had that motivation! A change is definitely needed, and I'm excited for the new direction.

      Delete
  2. A very nice striped dress ;)

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/tuscany-san-gimignano/

    ReplyDelete
  3. This outfit is so cute and suits you so well.
    Have a fantastic weekend.

    Love, Esther
    https://lifestyle-tale.com/ballerina-moment/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your vacation sounds dreamy! Glad you had such a great time. I have the same problem every time I try on a button down. I have a very large bust and often have to go up to a size Large (and I'm not a large) to get a shirt to fit me in the bust. Then it's too big everywhere else. Ugh! My other course of action is just to wear a camisole underneath and leave it partially unbuttoned. Or avoid button ups altogether. As for your blog absence, it sounds like your drifting from strictly a fashion blogger to a lifestyle blogger. I did the same thing a few years back. But I started out as strictly a paper-crafting blogger, then realized I wanted to blog about many other things. YES, I would love to see recipes. I'm not interested in exercise, but I'm always looking for healthy recipes. And I totally get you on the clothes. I did the same thing when I first started fashion blogging. I was buying trendy clothes I saw other bloggers wear. I liked the items, but like you, they didn't fit my lifestyle. So now I'm doing my own thing and I'm much happier that way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amy! Although I love everything single thing that I have shared here on Threads for Thomas, there are just some things that are so trendy and don't fit my lifestyle, that they still have the tags on them sitting in my closet. I would never want anyone to purchase an item that isn't wearable for their lifestyle. I'm excited that would would like to see recipes!

      Delete
  5. Love this post Rachael...the outfit, but also the thoughts on where your blog is headed! I'd be interested in hearing about and all aspects of your life that you write about! Thank you for hosting this link up and looking forward to hearing about skincare, working out, mommyhood, etc. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Chrissy! I'm excited to share more lifestyle on the blog!

      Delete
  6. I really enjoyed this post and have been having some similar conversations in my own head! It's very fun to try new trends...especially when our blogs provide us that opportunity through brand partnerships and so on. But it's good to evaluate and re-direct sometimes, and it sounds like you're on a really good track. I personally love authentic blogs more than "aspiration" blogs so even though I just recently found your blog, I'm sure I'd love your new direction very much!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Gina! We are all changing and growing in our lives, and I think it's good to make those changes to our blogs too.

      Delete
  7. I agree with Gina, it's fun trying new trends but sometimes they just don't fit into our everyday lifestyle. I would love to hear about your workouts, skincare and recipes! I'm excited for your new direction!

    Jill
    Doused in Pink

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rachael, I completely agree. Recently I have had a hard time with my blog because I am uninspired. I have to have a giant overhaul of my closet for the same reason. I have things with tags that I probably will never wear again. On a lighter note, I love this dress, perfect for a cape vacation!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Elise! I'm glad I'm not alone, as I feel that it's something a lot of us bloggers go through. I think staying true to our personal style is so important!

      Delete
  9. Love this dress! So classy! Yay for vacation! I hear you on outfits that actually fit your life. My style has gotten much more casual since having Ivy and I think my blog has hurt for it, but oh well.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amy! I have always been a fan of your style, but I relate to you causal style, which I have been loving!

      Delete
  10. Rachael, this shirt dress is the perfect beach wear and transition into fall. It is going to looks super cute with boots and jackets! And I think a little reevaluation of what we do on our blogs is always a healthy thing. These blogs are our heart and soul and we need to remain true to ourselves and our missions. If sharing more about your kids and your lifestyle is what makes you happy and looking forward to blogging, then by all means that is the route you should take. When I began my blog, I never wanted it to be just about the clothes. And other than a few "just about the clothes" posts, I have managed to stay true to myself on that...always injecting humor and serious stuff that is important to me in almost every post. Finding that balance was key for me to keep at it and keep on a schedule. My blog is sure to undergo some changes as well in the near future. I look forward to seeing which direction you take your blog and learning more about your life behind the clothes! Thanks for sharing with us.

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Shelbee. Remaining true to ourselves is important, and will always make for better content.

      Delete
  11. Okay this dress so me!!!! This summer I have been obsessed with white and blue stripes anything. This dress in particular looks so comfy and casual.

    xx,
    Iliana | www.sophisticatedfashionista.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I have been obsessed with blue and white stripes all summer long too!

      Delete
  12. Love this post, Rachael! It's always a good idea to step back and reevaluate things from time to time to see what's working and what's not. Your potential new direction (sharing other aspects of your life) would definitely be of interest to me. I'll look forward to you changing things up here.

    Love the shirtdress! Looks great on you!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Shirt dress are the prefect fall transitional piece! I completely love your honesty here! Sometimes its hard finding your niche and I can respect you taking your time to find exactly what that is!! Can't wait to see what you come up with
    Have a great weekend

    xo
    Mel

    ReplyDelete
  14. First of all I am glad you enjoyed your ocean vacation with your boys. You look so beautiful and chill here in that great shirtdress. I have one like it but mine has a few embroidered flowers. You can't go wrong with a striped shirtdress like this.

    I am looking forward to see some lifestyle posts from you with your life as a stay-at-home mom and since you are in a great shape I'd love to find more about your healthy clean eating, recipes, workout routines and such. Love your blog and style my friend!

    Happy Weekend Rachael! <3 Ada.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Ada! I can't wait to share more lifestyle posts with you.

      Delete
  15. It sounds like your boys had a wonderful time at the beach. We haven't taken our kids in a few years and I hope to get to the beach this summer with them. That striped dress is so pretty and I am just loving all of the blue/white striped trends lately! I'm also loving that hat!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carrie! We had such a great time at the beach, and the boys didn't want to leave.

      Delete
  16. Taking time away from the blog can be one of the best things! You should enjoy all the time with your family! But I do love this dress!
    xo Adri
    www.adrilately.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Adri! Sometimes a little break is needed!

      Delete
  17. Lovely shirt dress! I find they often pull across the bust area so I prefer to wear them over a vest and unbuttoned at the top. Looking forward to seeing the new direction for your blog!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Emma. Finding the perfect shirt dress, or button down isn't always easy. Layering them is always a great idea!

      Delete
  18. Hi lovely! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation and your style is super cute! Love your summer hat❤️ Xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this dress!! Blue and white is one of my fave combos and the stripes are soooo cute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Megan. I have a slight blue and white stripe addiction!

      Delete
  20. This dress is perfection! I love that it is great for both warm and cooler months. I'm also loving that hat :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sounds like an excellent vacation! That is a pretty dress perfect for a beach vacation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It was such a great vacation, and this dress was the perfect piece to pack!

      Delete
  22. Such a classic and chic look! I need to vacation there!!! Also, I love the hat!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Loving that fun hat! I need it for my Mexico trip this winter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Caitlin, aren't they so cute for the beach!

      Delete
  24. I haven't seen a version of that hat before - SO cute!! Great end of summer look too. I adore those stripes!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great post! I like all the details and the ideas!
    Mens Watches Online India

    ReplyDelete
  26. I like the classic chic summer look of that dress! I thought your photos are cute, then I saw that handsome little one, it's even cuter!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love that shirt dress! The hat is adorable as well, I've been seeing these a lot recently and I love them!

    Have an amazing day!
    xx Kris

    https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kris. Aren't these hats so cute for the beach?!

      Delete
  28. I've been feeling the same way Rachael and also recently decided to focus on my personal style and what works with my lifestyle! I spent too much time adding things to my closet this summer, that I don't wear day to day! I'm excited to see what you have in store for your blog! I love blogs that have a nice mix of lifestyle, I find all of it truly interesting!!

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Brooke! I'm excited to share some lifestyle content!

      Delete
  29. Loving your shirtdress! It's the perfect end of summer outfit! And that hat is so cute!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Love this dress, it is so pretty. It's perfect for summer and the hat is the perfect accessory.
    Xx, Nailil

    ReplyDelete
  31. First of all, I really like this outfit for a Cape Cod trip. I feel like it matches the destination so perfectly! Secondly, thanks for being honest with your readers about your blog. As I started my own fashion blog, I found myself buying things and thinking about how they could be worn for the blog, instead of how they could be worn for my real life. It's a tough balance for sure, and I hope that whatever you decide to do with your blog, you're proud of it! And I would be interested in your workout routines!
    -Kristin
    countdowntofridayblog.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kristin! I feel like being true to my everyday style will only benefit the blog. Also, my workouts are such a big part of my life, I think it's time I start sharing about them.

      Delete