Postcards From Fashion
I REMEMBER back in the 1950s when two of my aunts returned from a trip to Italy. They weren't twins, yet they both brought back the same gathered skirt covered in illustrations of cafés and monuments and such. Kitschy for sure. But the image has remained with me. Others must've remembered something like it, too, because there are a number of these "scenic," for lack of a better term, prints on the market. These are not rock-'em-sock-'em prints—they’re subtler and more artistic than that. Nor are they classic French toile de Jouy prints, allover sketches of fanciful bucolic scenes of maids in flowy dresses swinging in unseen breezes, etcetera.
I’ve long been obsessed with classic toile. But these slightly giddier “illustrations—some of them sketches, others more painterly—just say summer to me. And if I’ve overemphasized dresses it’s because they have air conditioning, or at least a fan, built in. You’re welcome.
Maya Dress in “Mountain Postcard” Print
The Kit is the outfit that declares You Have Enough Basics. The only thing basic about this dress is the simple T-shirt shape. It can be made for you in Tencel twill on demand in 10 to 20 days.
Clara Cotton Shirtdress in “Painted Village” Print
Shades of Aunts Charlotte and Lida! This colorful cotton shirtdress has just the kind of “souvenir” quality they were attracted to on that long-ago trip. Manufacturer Boden is calling Clara a maxi, but I think it leans toward midi. And it has pockets on the side seams.
Worthington “Scenic” Full Skirt
Well, here’s the entire Amalfi coastline on an A-line skirt! And not only is it made of stretchy cotton but it’s lined. And has side-seam pockets. And is a flattering midi length.
The Janie Favorite Asymmetric Hem Short Dress
Johnny Was calls this color “Christy.” They also call the dress “short.” Never mind. What I like is the Mediterranean villages. And maybe a villa on Lake Como. I’ll put aside my fantasy life to report that the asymmetric-hem dress is made of a swishy rayon and spandex.
Cannes Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit
I don’t think the French Riviera is quite as colorful as this one-piece from Johnny Was. But if the pattern appeals, there are also Cannes pool slides to be had. And men can join the architectural fun with Cannes swim trunks and a camp shirt.
Talk about scenery! The Guinevere Bustier Dress encompasses an entire garden, plus romantic ruins, and a mysterious visitor (far left, near the hem). Guinevere—a linen, cotton, and elastane blend—will certainly let you sweep into the party in style.
This is pretty close to a classic toile de Jouy, but the Chloe jacket’s print is on 100-percent denim. The jacket is slightly cropped and, yes, there are matching jeans—but you don’t have to. If you really get into it, as we toile lovers tend to do, there’s also the Blair Reversible Tote, which flips from toile to a gentle blue-and-white floral.
Willa Silk Blouse in “Island Dreams” Print
Stacey Bendet is the designer behind the Alice + Olivia clothing line, and, oh, to live in her world. Or maybe it’s the world in her clothes. The lush Willa silk blouse in this summer’s “Island Dreams” print has me identifying with the bathing-suit-clad woman in the tropics. As if. But at least I could have the blouse, right? It’s semi-sheer and digitally printed on crêpe de chine.
Button-Front Knee-Length Skirt
This is exactly the type of skirt my aunts brought home from vacation: knee-length and all-cotton. A button-down front also seems somehow vintage (but that’s probably just me). Anthropologie has it in the smallest sizes, but The Editorialist is offering the full range. It’s on sale, for about $90, so decide soon.
Farm Rio talks about “nature-inspired” patterns, but I see this as a visit to Havana. And I acknowledge that sometimes maxi is the way to go.
This stretchy cotton tank is having more fun at the beach than I do, but I don’t begrudge it. The slim fit, in what The Kit calls “bamboo cotton jersey” (a combo of bamboo, cotton, and spandex), means it works tucked in, and the shaped hem works when you want it hanging out. As with other items from The Kit, it takes 10 to 20 days for it to be made to order.
This tiered sundress from TommyBahama has it all: flirty little cap sleeves for coverage, pockets, generous V-neck, flattering midi length, and a self-tie to use or not. Consider it summer in a cotton-viscose blend.
The clara cotton dress from Boden looks so summery to me! Just add the Aperol spritz!
With the heat they’re promising for this week, I think a ventilated paper bag may be in order! But yes, I love the spirit of that print! —Nancy