As we headed to Cesenatico from Bologna airport our driver from The Hotel Beau Soleil informed us of the fortuitous time we’d chosen to visit.
Unbeknown to us it was Ferragosto here!
Ferragosto, a celebration involving an enormous amount of food is on August 15. Originating from the Roman Empire to mark the end of hard labour in the fields. Later the date was adopted by the Catholic Church for the Assumption to Heaven of the Virgin Mary.
Regardless of my atheism I love a party, particularly one involving so much delicious Italian food. Additionally I was excited by the prospect of a new experience at our regular holiday destination.
In 4 days not only was there a special lunch & dinner being served in the Hotel but also a party later that night finishing with fireworks on the beach!
Luckily I’d brought my fabulous new Dodo bar Or dress
This black & white Dodo Bar Or dress is tailor-made to party on the beach!
Even though I’d planned to wear it with heels I decided to go with my gold Havaiana flip-flops instead. As it turned out they were barely visible underneath anyway yet when I caught a glimpse of the gold I was very pleased with the effect. Besides I had the new Chloe Hudson drawing the eye firmly away from my feet. This bag is the epitome of festival chic, ideally suited for Ferragosto & the quintessential marriage for this bohemian dress.
Don’t be too envious, little Chloe was merely on loan for the day.
When your beautiful Italian friend has a bag obsession greater than your own, you know she’ll have a couple of new treats to share when you next visit wink
UPDATE : The dress is now completely sold out but I’ve managed to find a few pre-loved options for you below. Bonus that the prices are much lower than the original! This dress won’t date & can be styled differently such as over jeans like I’ve done here.
Adore this look but investing in high-end designer handbags is not your thing?
Fear not my friend!
I’ve found a couple of similar items at affordable prices for you to re-create the outfit.
My hair is well overdue a trim
Add blazing sun & chlorine to the mix & my ends are completely fried! See here how I over-came the frizzies & created this cute side bun for the party. I’ll take you through this simple Up-style step by step – What’s more, my hair was straight from the pool without washing!
As for the natural make-up, you can read my tutorial here if you missed it a couple of weeks ago.
I re-published this post because this year I decided to take a blogging break while we’re on holiday here in Italy. To be perfectly honest our trip is pretty much exactly the same anyway, I’m even wearing the same dress! To see some photographs of the incredible feast we enjoyed for Ferragosto last year take a look at this post. Right I had better run up & get dressed for dinner, Ciao!
Mx
Comments ( 38 )
donnalou
Love your look , I have just bought a kimono maxi dress infact I think its the black one on your post here 🙂 xx
retrochicmama
Fantastic,bet it looks amazing! I’m thinking a Kimono jacket might be a nice addition to my wardrobe too, what do you think?
thestylesplash
I love the kimono dress, it’s perfect for holidays. I bet you didn’t want to give that bag back!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
retrochicmama
Too right I didn’t Emma! My friend Stefy also had a new Hermes mini but I wasn’t about to risk borrowing that one 😉 xxx
Kintan
You looks gorgeous with those kimono. Love it the way you styled it.
XOX, Kintan
retrochicmama
Thank you so much that’s a lovely compliment x
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
Lucky you, Michelle! What a feast! I love your dress, your bag and the fantastic background in your images 🙂 I bet you had a lot of fun on your vacation in that sexy dress! xx Abby
retrochicmama
Thanks Abby, I had a ball shooting this outfit. I’m so happy you like it!
xxx
Anna Parkes
This style of dress is so clever and perfect for a holiday like yours. I’m not sure about Kimono’s on me, and yet I can’t explain why – maybe I worry that I’ll look like I’ve forgotten to get dressed! The bag is to die for, Michelle! How lovely to waltz around with that on for the day (big sigh of envy).
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
retrochicmama
Funny you should say that Anna – The children actually asked me why I was wearing my robe out to dinner Bahahahaha!
Obviously they’re now up for adoption 😉
x
chuky1958
Lovely dress!
retrochicmama
Hi Chuky, Thanks so much! Hope to see you here again x
cherie
I can’t tell you how much I adore your kimono – it is such a great funky piece Michelle. And, that Chloe bag is to die for, love the gold hardware. I’m full time back into the blog world after a much needed vacation. Can’t wait until fall so I can wear all my big sweaters.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
retrochicmama
I know Cherie it’s so fab isn’t it? I want to wear it all the time!
Glad you had a nice long break, I ended up taking 2 weeks off blogging too. I just couldn’t manage it with the children on school holidays & other stuff going on here. So happy to be back working again though, see you soon xxx
notdressedaslamb
Oh okay so I’m officially totally and utterly in love with this dress. Next time I see you I’m going to have to work out a way to get you to bring it so I can swipe it without you ever realising and then I can wear it on my blog to my heart’s content, and no one will ever know!!!!!! 😉
But really – this is a BEAUT of a dress Michelle, and boy you were a lucky girl to get to borrow that bag! I think I need a friend with a Chloe bag obsession, hehe…!!
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
retrochicmama
Aw Catherine you may borrow it any time my sweet…& yes I am a lucky duck 😉
xxx
Midlifechic
Such a fantastic look – very continental as my Mum would have said. And what a lovely friend you have! xxx
retrochicmama
Heehee I love that, being a brash old Aussie it makes me sound European Chic thank you Mama MC xxx
Patti
Wonderful dress! The perfect choice and what a lovely setting. xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
retrochicmama
Hi Patti, Thank you so much – Yes it was a beautiful spot to shoot xxx
nbosken
I love that dress! I’ve been wanting to find a good maxi dress for fall and feel like a kimono dress would be perfect! Also your photos are beautiful! I love traveling!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
retrochicmama
Aw thank you so much Nina. Yes I agree the kimono is certainly one to look out for. I also love an unusual maxi dress so it ticks that box too! Happy shopping x
No Fear of Fashion
Does this dress swoosh? Ican almost hear it. It looks great on you and I bet you have had many compliments. The bag is cute too. And no I do not invest in designer bags. I get bored with them too easily. And that kimono dress you link to? Totally sold out. Your fault. 😉
Greetje
MT
Hahaha yes yes Greetje my fault…geez I wish! Dodo bar Or has some incredible new pieces I need to stay well away 😉
Nancy Baten
I am obsessed with the Chloe saddle bags! They are so perfect for a relaxed Summer look! And thats exactly what youre look says: relaxed!
MT
Oh Nancy aren’t they stunning! I wish I owned this one but boy was it lovely to carry for the evening. I might try ebay 😉
Simplement Lui
Great look, very nice kimono 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/tuscany-my-name-is-lucca/
MT
Thanks babe!
Suzy Turner
You always manage to look like some kind of Hollywood star! Totally gorgeous! And that dress is just beautiful, Michelle!
ENJOY Bellissima!
Suzy xx
Suzy Turner at Yogadocious
MT
You know when you wear something you really love, you just feel so special that it shows in your posture? This dress is like that for me xxx
jacqui
That’s statement – I bet you got plenty of looks in that beauty. Lucky you with that stunning bag. x
Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
Aw thanks Jacqui. I was lucky to borrow the bag for the evening & tempted to run off with it hahahaha! x
Rhiannon Duffin
I love everything about this look and it’s great to see it again as I missed it the first time!! AND I’m also appreciating the alternative styles too! Next stop is definitely your hair tutorial…
MT
I’m so happy to hear this Rhiannon, you never know if republishing is the right move. I don’t want to bore anyone, so it’s a relief that at least you are reading the post for the first time xx
Petite Teacher
I love the look. It’s festive and casual at the same time: a good choice to pack for some holidays indeed.
Lieske
MT
Oh that’s exactly it Lieske, you described this dress perfectly!
Melissa
Hi Michelle! I’m loving this kimono on you! The blue and white print is so summery and pretty. Love you + your style!
xo Melissa
SAmantha
Liked it the first time, still liking it 12 months on! Great buy!