Garden Walks, Sunny Thoughts

One of my favourite things to do during the warmer months is wander through well-kept gardens; guided paths that lead you through tunnels of flowers and insects at play.  Something I've grown to love about England - and admittedly become pretty attached to - is the easily accessible nature.  You're never far from a colourful haven!  On this occasion I didn't have to travel far at all to find myself immersed in rhododendrons - the perfect place to wear this gorgeous Papagayo Shirt Dress by Joe Browns.

I've developed quite a love for shirt dresses, thanks to their ability to turn a casual mood into something more elegant. Though, much like marmite, shirt dresses seem to divide opinion between those who love them, and those who dislike them.  Personally I feel as though they're flattering on all frames, but I may well be biased after years of buying them!  I particularly love the tie-waist style of this dress, along with the elegant length that makes it ideal for most summertime occasions.

This tropical delivery from Joe Browns was a complete day-brightener - literally!  The colours of the dress are just as vibrant and beautiful as I was expecting, seeing in particular the coral and green shades pop.  With printed parrots and flowers wrapping around the shirt dress, it's difficult not to imagine yourself wearing it in tropical climates, either with a pair of block-heeled sandals as I've done so here, or perhaps unbuttoned with a bikini underneath for afternoons spent beachside.  Sadly, I'm not at the beach right now, however on the plus side, it means I can wear jewellery without worrying about it ending  buried in a foot of sand!  

Shirt Dress - Joe Browns Papagayo Dress c/o

Rings - Z for Accessorize Venetian Ring Set

Ring - Accessorize Amarpur Turq Shield Ring

Necklace - Estella Bartlett Pineapple Necklace

Bag - Chloé Elsie Medium

Shoes - Kurt Geiger Carvela Shadow Sandals

The inspiration of the 'lush fauna' in the Gulf of Papagayo is easy to see in this dress, and it goes a long way in inducing those summer vibes I've been chasing.  In fact, they're so strong that even the thunderstorm taking place outside right now isn't enough to shake my tropical mood!   

With love,

Gabrielle x