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After the overwhelming response to our Tuckernuck Style on an Amazon Budget post last week, I’m thrilled to share more exciting finds with you now, rather than spacing them out. This way, you can grab them before they sell out or become limited.
And a quick note: I will continue to feature items from Tuckernuck regularly. I adore the brand. In fact, I have an event tonight where I’m wearing a new top from them (you can see it here) ; I’ll share a photo and all the details in our Saturday email.
My shopping strategy, which forms the basis of this series, is all about balance. I invest in certain items and cut back in other areas. This approach works for me and mirrors how most of us build a wardrobe.
For my lifestyle, a summer dress is limited. The season on the East Coast is relatively short, and unlike a pair of jeans, I wouldn’t wear the same dress multiple times a week.
So when I landed on this sweet striped blue dress on Amazon last month, I knew it was a great find. It’s a simple, lovely piece you can dress up or down for $35.
Let’s break down this outfit AND have a quick conversation about how I will tailor it.
Tuckernuck Style on an Amazon Budget: A $40 Summer Dress
A couple of styling notes.
First, I’m 5’10, and this is where the hem hits me out of the package.
The hem is slightly longer in the front and back and comes up a tiny bit on the sides. I am going to have this hemmed so you can see my knees. But I wanted you to see it before it is altered.
The dress is $35; I’ll spend $20 on a hem, which is still a considerable value.
I want to wear this with a heel or a sneaker, and raising the hem will allow me to do both. It will show off my legs (one of the few parts of my body I’m not in constant battle with) and give me my height back.
If I wore a sneaker at this current hem length, I’d be entering Frumpsville.
But you get the idea. I’ll share a photo when it’s done so you can see the difference.
My upper arms are a body part I’m not in love with, so I appreciate a longer-short sleeve. Cap and tiny sleeves make me look like I am busting out of my top.
Second, I am a true rectangle body shape; my shoulders, waist, and hips are all about the same. Even as I lose weight, I lose it all over equally.
So, a cut like this is flattering because it pulls me in and gives the illusion of a more defined waist.
The dress is super lightweight, so you’ll like it if you are in a warm climate. It’s an excellent alternative to shorts if you don’t like them or want some variety.
I styled it here with a pair of woven block-heel mule sandals, but you can wear this with any neutral-to-you summer sandals.
Like this reader favorite in raffia, which we featured earlier this month.
If you prefer flat sandals, this pair from yesterday’s Nordstrom round-up would be pretty. They sold out at Nordstrom quickly, but I found them fully stocked on Zappos.
Of course, you can wear any low-profile white sneakers. I just ordered this pair from Tretorn in white canvas and am excited to try them out.
Lately, I have found many gorgeous pairs of novelty earrings on Amazon. Above, I’m wearing this floral enamel and crystal pair for only $12.
Finally, I bought this envelope clutch ages ago, and it always works. It’s simple, chic, and under $25. Another pretty option is the raffia bow clutch we featured last week.
As I mentioned, I’ll scatter a few of these posts throughout the month. I see them being seasonal, so early spring, some summer finds, and I imagine I’ll find fun and unique options around the holidays at the end of the year.
Remember, I incorporate your favorites from recent posts in every daily feature so you can get the most value out of what you purchase through our links. No matter how much you spend or what your budget is, you can create a true mix-and-match wardrobe you build over time.
Happy Shopping,
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