I’ve noticed a rather strange interesting pattern in my Instagram feed…
THE STORY
…I’ve dubbed it “the blanket scarf phenomenon”. I’ve mentioned before how I find it intriguing that photos I really think are good don’t get as many likes as others that aren’t necessarily my favorites. To each his own, right? Now though, I’ve actually spied a pattern. Any photo that I’ve posted recently that was a “from above” selfie involving a blanket scarf gets far more likes than other photos. Here’s an example:
The top photo was what I wore to Walmart Saturday; trust me, nothing fancy. An old gray sweatshirt, boyfriend jeans, and Bearpaws…but add the magical powers-laden blanket scarf and bang! Substantially more likes than what was one of my favorite outfit photos ever. Hmmm…I’m truly fascinated by this. And it would appear that the magical blanket scarf only has these powers when it’s part of the from above selfie. Case in point: shots from my last blog post. The from above selfie of that outfit received over 100 more likes than shots of the actual outfit. So weird. I can’t explain it. Hence the term “blanket scarf phenomenon”. I guess it’s kind of like crop circles and Stonehenge; interesting to think about, but you’ll never puzzle out an explanation.
THE OUTFIT
How gorgeous is this floral fit and flare dress from Bitter Lollipop? The photos don’t really do it justice; it’s a mix of floral and subtle leopard print dispersed throughout. The are areas where the print looks almost 3-D…so cool. And the colors are so vibrant and unexpected for winter. What makes Bitter Lollipop special? The dresses are designed especially to fit women with more going on up top. Anyone with a larger bust can attest to the fact that buying dresses is tough. That is one of the reasons I don’t wear dresses very often; I’m tiny on the bottom and not so tiny up top. It’s a combination of the girls and I also have very broad shoulders and lats for an elf. Hence, dress buying is just too much work.
When Kelly from Bitter Lollipop approached me about a collaboration I was intrigued with the idea so of course I agreed. When the package arrived and I opened it, I may or may not have squealed out loud when I saw the colors. The fabric is soft, but substantial and has some stretch to it and the seams are done perfectly to accommodate a larger bust. The dress is a bit too big on me; there’s some gapping at the neckline and under the arms, but that is 100% my fault. I always size up in dresses because I need more room in the top. Since Bitter Lollipop’s dresses are specifically designed to alleviate that problem I should have went with my normal size. Because I love it so much, the dress is definitely worthy of going to the seamstress for a little tweaking. Heed my advice. If you normally size up in dresses so they fit the girls, don’t do that with Bitter Lollipop dresses.
Since it’s obviously winter, I layered the dress over a turtleneck and tights. Originally I was going to layer a sweater over top, but that would’ve hidden too much of the beauty of the dress. I went with black ankle boots to coordinate with the tights and keep the leg line longer. So many of my necklaces would have worked well because of the myriad of colors, but I went with the pink because it picks up the more subtle pink throughout the pattern.
THE TIP
It’s super easy to make a spring/summer dress work in the winter. Simply add layers; whether it be over or under. In this instance I went with all black because I wanted the dress to stand out on it’s own. I had considered a striped turtleneck for some print mix, but decided against it because I wanted the dress to be the star. So this is actually two tips in one; layer up to make a summer dress winter appropriate and keep the base of your outfit neutral if you want one piece to stand out.
THE LINK UPS
**Be sure to take a minute and stop by to visit the lovely Julie at juliemcqueen.blogspot.ru for an interview with me. C’mon…you know you want the answers to such burning questions as “What movie character do I most identify with?”…the answer might surprise you…
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: c/o Bitter Lollipop; Turtleneck: Old Navy (Similar); Boots: PacSun (Similar)
Disclosure: Dress was gifted to me c/o Bitter Lollipop. All opinions are completely my own.
Beautiful dress, Debbie and I love how you make it perfect for the snow too! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti recently posted…Vintage 1940’s Housecoat, Or Dress? Visible Monday
Thanks so much Patti! Have a fabulous week! 🙂
Love the brightness of this dress! It’s so bold. I’m glad you showed a close up too; then I could witness the leopard. Love leopard! I hear you about the girls. Mine are too big for my liking, but alas, I don’t let them stop me!
Thanks for coming over to the Kremb de la Kremb Style Stories Link Up!
I love the turtleneck style tip. I have a similar outfit post from December but with a red holiday dress. Really extends the wear of sleeveless dresses!
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
Ann recently posted…Style Stories No. 9: Back-to-Work
I wear a lot of my things all year long. All it takes is some creative layering and your good to go!
What an amazing dress Debbie and you’ve styled it perfectly. Your hair is so beautiful as well. xo
Thanks so much Elsie!
I love that dress -Hanna Lei
hanna marie recently posted…Winter Trendy Shopping Outfit + Makeup
Thanks Hanna!
I love how fun and colorful your dress is!
Thank you Tara!
I too agree about the blanket scarf phenomena. And I have seen a lot of them in real life lately, not just in blogs. I love your new dress and how you made it work for your job. You are like a pretty and bright bouquet, Debbie!
Happy MLK day!
Ada recently posted…The Golden Globes 2016.
Aww…thank you Ada! The dress is kind of like a bright bouquet! 🙂
What a gorgeous dress! Love colors contrasted with the black! Perfect styling!
Jill
Doused in Pink
Thanks so much Jill!
I really love the print of your dress .. it’s really vibrant (photographs so well against the white snow!).
Monica.
Monica P recently posted…Stitch Fix No. 8 - The Last Box
It really did photograph beautifully against the snow…thank you Monica!
I know exactly what you mean re: blanket scarves. I feel the same if you add a puffy vest! I am not in love with either of the two, which keeps me from getting tons of likes on outfits that I think are far more ‘different’ or creative. But hey, I’m not usually a trend follower. I like to follow the challenges just for an idea, but I usually don’t look a normal person. Lol! And winterizing a bright colorful warm weather dress is one of my very favorite things to do! You look totally awesome!!!
Rachael recently posted…taking the hassles out of tassels- how to style tassel jewelry
Lol…I don’t usually look like a normal person either…and that’s a good thing!
Look so stunning! love the dress ! great color !
http://chicglamstyle.com
Rachel recently posted…Winter Trend | Maxi Coats
Thank you Rachel!
Lol…My favorites never get as many “likes” either. It’s so strange! Such a cute summer to winter look, hope your week is going great!
Laura
Laura recently posted…This Week on Instagram
Ya, I don’t get it. I’ve tried to figure out why, but I’m at a loss…lol
Too funny about the ‘blanket scarf’ phenomenon! I love what you’ve called it! That dress is stunning on you. I was admiring it on instagram earlier. The colors are gorgeous and brighten up any winter day!
Laura recently posted…Confident Twosday: Purple Top
Thanks Laura, it is a pretty fabulous dress! Even though it’s not as liked as my blanket scarves on instagram..lol!
Debbie, where are you that it’s snowing right now? I love that print against the black. You look lovely!
xx Belle
Pennsylvania…right in the snow belt. We get a lot of lake effect snow off of Lake Erie. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
I call it the headless photo syndrome and have been pondering this for awhile, seriously everything I have been told not to do seems to get way more likes, No selfies wrong, full pretty perfect shoots, wrong Hold the camera wrong side ( i.e. selfie side) over head snap pic of top of body with glimpses of rest of outfit.. megalikes, snap beautiful pic, edit, perfect the image and post and watch it wilt away… Instagram is a funny place but I love this dress no matter what picture it is in
Linda Cassidy recently posted…Starbucks Coffee Club
I agree with you…I seriously cannot figure it out! It’s like a really hard puzzle I can’t get my brain around…lol
Love the way you added a long sleeve top under this girly dress to make it appropriate for snow! I’ve been adding turtlenecks under my looks also!
http://michellespaige.com
michelle recently posted…IRRESISTIBLE ME
Turtlenecks are one of the easiest ways to winterize a summer dress!
Great looks here Debbie, love how you styled your dress 🙂 You pictures are always amazing, wish you could pop over and teach me how to take amazing pictures too 🙂
Thanks for linking up …
The colours are definitely your style. You wear it well. and Yes I agree the blanket scarf phenomenon gets more hits. I think it’s probably because people search hashtag keywords and they land on yours so they like it. Would love if you can link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/01/22/fitness-hacks-my-weeks-fashion-lessons/ I post a link up every day. You can subscribe to my list to get the notifications 🙂
Rania recently posted…Link up & my Week’s Fitness Hacks + Fashion Lessons
I love this dress, it’s so cute. All look great.