The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

What I'm Wearing: Banana Republic Silk Ikat Twist Strap Dress




Recently Banana Republic sent me this silk ikat twist strap dress ($130) and I did not hesitate to wear it for a day of running errands in the extreme heat. Paired with simple gold sandals and a straw tote (forgot to include it in my photo), this colorful dress proved to be all I needed to stay comfortable while still looking presentable.

The dress is fully lined and made from beautiful, breathable silk. It will wrinkle but the abstract print disguises this fact somewhat. I think this dress would look amazing on someone with more curves; I have a straight, rectangular figure and after looking at my photos, I definitely think I need to add a belt for some shape (but that would defeat the whole loose, breezy thing. Also, I wouldn't want to snag the silk.)

With it's delicate straps and low back, this dress is not a bra-friendly style, something to consider if you're thinking about buying. I had to wear a strapless bra, pushed down in back because it's so low, any regular bra will show. The fit is true to size. If you're petite you'll probably have to take it up a few inches as it is rather long (I'm 5'8" and it hit my knees).

A friend said my dress reminded her of Proenza Schouler and that got me thinking ahead to fall. I'm looking forward to toughening this dress up with tights, ankle boots and a black leather jacket when the weather cools down.

You can browse this and other dresses at Banana Republic by clicking on the image below.



Outfit details: Dress c/o Banana Republic, pyramid stud bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, BaubleBar leather wrap bracelet, Target gardening hat, Chelsea Crew sandals, Ginger + Liz nail polish in Boy Toy

FTC Disclosure: The dress reviewed in this post was given to me free of charge courtesy of Banana Republic. The opinions expressed are entirely my own, as was the decision to write this post.

Comments
Absolutely love it. Especially paired with the gold accessories - definitely adds a little bit more *chic*!
#1 365HANGERS (Homepage) on 2011-06-08 21:29 (Reply)
Ikat design is showing up everywhere. Check out our website for a ikat summer scarf !
#2 sohoaccessories (Homepage) on 2011-06-09 05:02 (Reply)
You look fabulous! I LOVE the pyramid stud bracelet!
#3 cadrommy (Homepage) on 2011-06-09 07:44 (Reply)
Love this Dianna. I had stopped going into Banana Republic because they were on snooze mode with the styles, but, I must say this dress has me headed over to the site.

The hat and bracelet are perfect with it.
#4 Alissa (Homepage) on 2011-06-09 08:45 (Reply)
I like this dress and the blue one in the same style. I got a gorgeous maxi dress there two weeks ago that is no longer available, otherwise I'd give you the link. By the way they're having a sale this afternoon.
#5 Leila on 2011-06-09 09:03 (Reply)
Lovely outfit! That spiky bracelet is great, cute sandals too, you look like the epitome of summer!

Cess O.
#5.1 CessOviedo (Homepage) on 2011-06-09 09:08 (Reply)
Oh I love! You make even the 'simplest' looks chic and effortless. I just saw that hat at target! Xo
#6 Megan (Homepage) on 2011-06-09 10:03 (Reply)
I love the dress and the way you styled it, but I really love seeing you here on your blog. I see you doing this more and more lately and I LOVE IT!

http://www.shoesandjules.com
#7 Juliette (Homepage) on 2011-06-12 14:59 (Reply)
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