While it’s true that many women are resorting to more casual outfits for small, intimate celebrations, it’s always appropriate and lovely for a woman to wear a dress. If you prefer to look a little more polished and sophisticated or you simply enjoy looking like a woman, don’t hesitate to put a little more effort into your outfit for these milestone celebrations. Today I’m sharing two beautiful and warm weather appropriate dresses to wear to a shower, luncheon or brunch this spring and summer.
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Introducing Beyond by Vera
Recently Beyond by Vera reached out and offered to send me a couple of their exquisite dresses. I had never heard of this brand, based in New Delhi, but I was quickly drawn in by the gorgeous designs I saw on their website. Here is an excerpt from their site that helps us understand a little more about the woman behind the designs and her inspiration.
Beyond by Vera was created by Austrian designer Vera Fritsch to combine her love of travel and storytelling. Each collection invites you on a journey through time and place, brought to life through original, hand-drawn prints — each one telling its own story.
Beyond by Vera
After moving to India in 2007 for a diplomatic role, Vera fell in love with the country’s rich craft heritage. What began as personal collaborations with artisans soon evolved into a ready-to-wear label, launched in 2019.
Now based in New Delhi, Beyond by Vera operates out of a dedicated atelier and workshop. Every piece is hand-drawn in-house and crafted in collaboration with master artisans, using only natural or responsibly sourced fabrics from local, family-run mills.
Oh, I do love stories like that one. It reminds me that while most businesses do begin with similar humble roots, only the most dedicated stay true to those initial passions with intentionality and heart. Not only do I enjoy shopping those brands for their beautiful designs, but I feel good about supporting them with my business as well.
Beyond by Vera Dresses: Perfect for a Shower, Luncheon or Brunch
Even after I had selected my dresses, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from my Beyond by Vera order.. I do scour websites when I shop, zooming in on fabric and details, reading all of the fabric information and paying special attention to care instructions and sizing. From what I gleaned on the website, I was hopeful that the fabrics would be luxurious and the quality would be above and beyond.
I was not disappointed. This Sailor dress is not only feminine and delightful to look at, but it feels luxurious on the body. It’s constructed from a unique blend of cotton (70%) and linen (30%), offering a soft, breathable hand and a beautifully textured finish. The kimono sleeves and deep V-neckline make the dress feel modern, while the midi-length A-line skirt makes a traditional statement.
The dress runs true to size. I ordered a large (not sure why???), but I think the medium might have fit me better. That said, the construction allows for a little error because you can cinch the dress as snug as you’d like with the same-fabric belt. I love that the belt, sleeves and hemline all feature the doubled fabric and rows of perfect stitching.
The Sailor dress is part of Vera’s Reverie collection. Named after Villa Céleste, a grand heritage home nestled along the cliffs of Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera in Southeastern France, this print draws from its sea-facing gardens and pale, weathered roses. Rendered in soft watercolors, the florals echo the quiet elegance of summers by the Mediterranean. The dress is lined in an equally natural fiber fabric and it features an invisible zipper in the back for ease of access. You can remove the sash and replace with a belt if you desire.
Indeed, while it’s become perfectly acceptable to dress down for life’s little celebrations, such as baby showers, bridal brunches and birthday luncheons, why not wear something that honors the feted woman, like this ultra feminine dress? You’ll be comfortable, cool and so classy in such a frock.
The second Beyond by Vera dress is equally breezy and beautiful. Brie is constructed in an airy cotton voile and is part of the Club Soleil collection. “This print channels the flair of poolside architecture from the golden era of the 1950s to ’70s. Sculpted fountains and mermaid figures in the design evoke a world of lavish detail and visual drama.”
A breezy take on the classic shirtdress, Brie has a relaxed fit, features a drop waist and is an easy midi length. Buttoned down the front and finished with relaxed sleeves, it can be worn loose or cinched at the waist for shape. Honestly, I like the dress just as much without the same fabric belt, but I forgot to photograph it that way.
For both of these looks, I accessorized with minimal but impactful jewelry, cognac leather strappy sandals and a straw clutch with a coordinating cognac leather detail.
I’ve featured these gorgeous Beyond by Vera dresses as appropriate attire for spring and summer showers, brunches and luncheons, but they both make lovely vacation dresses as well. Many women are dressing more casually for life’s celebrations these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to. If your personal style goal is to look a little more polished, refined or feminine, challenge yourself to set the bar a little higher. Whether you invest in a unique dress with hand designed prints or you pull from your closet something you’ve enjoyed wearing for years, you’ll feel pretty and confident in an easy breezy dress at your next festive gathering.
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Blessed for My Day
If you know anything about Gideon, you may recall that we first encounter him in the book of Judges when he is threshing wheat in the wine press. You only succumb to that kind of make-do environment for separating the grain from the staff when you’re afraid. Gideon was not only living in fear, but he had lost all hope and forgotten how powerful his God was. He was living a sort of half-life because he had no courage, no sense of calling and no understanding of God’s empowering presence.
But just a little later we find Gideon blowing a horn and summoning his fellow Israelites to fight with him against their enemies. What had happened? He had taken a few steps in faith, found God to be trustworthy, gained a little courage and been recognized for his courage. But more importantly, he had been clothed by the Spirit of the Lord. If you have accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, you have one up on Gideon – you have the Holy Spirit WITHIN you. So today let’s be courageous women. Let’s sound the trumpet and step up in faith. And let’s be women who are ready to march on the enemy whenever and however the Lord calls.
So the Spirit of the Lord covered Gideon like clothing; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him. And he sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were called together to follow him; and he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they came up to meet them. ~ 6:34-35
I wish people would dress up more. At least in my small town area. Sometimes I feel out of place for church or a shower and I don’t like to stick out. If I wore a dress like this I would and I’m short so I found this style dress doesn’t work for me. Such pretty dresses to be gifted. The first is my favorite. Can you return and ask for medium?
Such beautiful dresses and I, too, appreciate the back story. Enjoy your trip.
PS I loved hearing this backstory of this company.