The signs of the season changing from summer to fall are everywhere. The sight of multi-colored leaves, sounds of football on the weekends, and smells pumpkin flavored foods of every kind are filling the cooler air. The feelings of fall also bring about welcome change in fashion, like chunky woolen sweaters and tall boots, but here in the south, the weather is still a bit too warm for the traditional fall attire. Not wanting to be left out of celebrating the change of season with a new fall look, I began searching for an outfit that would represent the colors of the season without being too warm for the weather.
When I saw this soft, brown asymmetrical dress by Tomomi, I knew that it was perfect for my summer into fall wardrobe. The chocolate brown tone is perfect for the season, but it is the design details that make this such a delight. The dress features an asymmetrical hem with a tie at the shoulders and a keyhole, open back. Both details offer a slightly sexy, yet simple interest. The fabric is flowing rayon, meaning it is both figure flattering and lightweight enough for warmer weather.
The design of the asymmetrical dress leaves the option to wear a belt or leave it unbelted. I had a hard time deciding which way I like best, but if I was to wear a belt, a turquoise beaded belt would be perfect. I paired the dress with tall boots in a camel color to complete the fall inspired look. For accessories, I knew that I wanted something turquoise to pull in the colors of the belt, so I began searching for a beaded necklace that would complete the ensemble. This turquoise and brown beaded necklace was the perfect completion to the look. The necklace is crafted of hand-dyed wooden beads, a simple material that is transformed into a beautiful piece of jewelry with a dramatic torsade design.
Reading the story of the artisan who created this necklace makes me enjoy wearing it even more. Sumalee Nawakul is an entrepreneur in Thailand who has built a business creating jewelry and other items using lightweight wooden beads. Through her business, she has been able to employ many elderly people in her town, who help her with the weaving, thus providing them with a way to earn money and purpose for their days.
As the weather gets cooler, I can easily add a wrap or sweater to the outfit, making it a versatile fall outfit that was created with love by artisans in Thailand and Bali-a warm thought for a cool time of year.
