One More Nap Dress Review
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

Nap Dress || Similar Sandals || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Around this time of year, there are many opinions about the ‘white about Labor Day’ debate. This blog post isn’t about that. In short, wear what makes you happy and what you feel comfortable in. While I’m wearing this stark white number, I’m instead focusing on the label behind the dress. Earliest this year, Hill House began to take the country by storm. It can be found on the streets of Madison Avenue to the beaches of Miami Beach and everywhere in between! Lovingly known as the Nap Dress, let’s explore what makes it so popular and why you’ll want one in your closet. Yes. this is one more Nap Dress review!

What is a Nap Dress?

nap dress (noun): a signature dress that can make you feel put together while doing laundry, bills, or watching your favorite show. can be worn at home or out on the town.

The Nap Dress was practically created for working remotely. It’s something you can literally throw on and instantly take on the day. While many different dresses can be classified as a ‘nap dress’ (who else still loves the Amazon nightgown?) I think Hill House has perfected. Founded by Nell Diamond in 2019, she combined her experiences in motherhood with her incredible eye for style. The result is a collection of incredibly comfortable dresses adored the world over.

Which Nap Dress Style Am I Wearing?

This sweet little number is called Ellie, and she is probably the most recognizable of everything Hill House has to offer. It’s also the number one bestseller, so you know you’re in good company. The elastic smocking is very flattering, but I think the ruffled sleeve detail is my favorite. The midi-length gives it a modest feel and will work for a wide variety of occasions.

How Does the Nap Dress Fit?

On the Hill House website, you’ll find several recommendations and reviews to size down. Because I typically like my clothes to be on the roomier side, I’m always pretty skeptical when I read that. Following my intuition, I ordered my usual size (a medium), and I’m so happy that I did! It gave me the wiggle room I was looking for without feeling too oversized. Because Hill House offers free returns and exchanges, don’t be afraid to over two sizes if you’re in-between and not quite sure.

What is the Nap Dress Fabric Like?

Across the Hill House collection, there are a few different fabrics to choose from, depending on the season. This dress is 100% cotton and, although a tad sheer, is as soft as can be. It’s lightweight and can flow with the breeze. While we’re talking about fabric, I was also happy to learn that Hill House does its part to make environmental choices. That means using non-toxic materials and creating products without any of the harsh chemicals.

What Do I Need to Wear With a Nap Dress?

One of the best things to note about this dress is that it’s bra-friendly. Sometimes I see the cutest dresses that have the most finicky back detailing. I love them but could never go without a bra, and I definitely wouldn’t want my bra to show. Gasp! Especially if you go for a white Nap Dress, you’ll want to consider wearing a nude slip underneath. It will give you additional peace of mind as you go about your day. If you’re just wearing a beach cover-up (and many ladies do), then don’t worry about it!

How Can I Wear a Nap Dress for Fall?

This Nap Dress is an ideal choice for beginning the transition into Fall. A bright white isn’t the best example, but I’ll be wearing it for months to come by swapping my sandals for black ballet flats and adding a denim jacket. Other color combinations will be much easier to wear as we start to approach cooler weather. In fact, the darker, the better! My favorite example of Wintertime Nap Dress has to be from Carly Riordan. While it rarely gets cold enough in Florida for a turtleneck, I would absolutely wear this look if I still lived in New York. Shelby wore her Turtleneck and Nap Dress combo with camel booties, and I think it’s perfect for a winter day! 

What Hill House Pieces Do I Want Next?

I absolutely love the Athena Nap Dress in terms of what style I’m looking forward to next. This shorter version will be perfect for those warmer Florida days. This dress can also wear it with practically any shoe in my closet: sandals, ballet flats, and sneakers. 

The other answer to the question is that I’m very excited for the next Hill House drop. A drop is a day they launch the newest collection, sometimes have an overarching theme. On September 9th, they are welcoming Hill House University as a nod to Back to School season. We see our favorite tops and dresses in perfect colors for Fall, including burgundy and hunter green. There are also unveiling turtleneck bodysuits, ideal for wearing underneath your Nap Dress, and a line of jackets. I hope to get my hands on the navy poplin Nap Dress. Wish me luck!

Is the Nap Dress Worth It?

This is always such a loaded question because it depends so heavily on a personal budget and spending philosophy. If you love the grand-millennial style and want to be part of the latest trend, the answer is yes! You’re buying into a woman-owned company that has an environmental and social consciousness. Still, a $100-plus price tag can be pretty steep. I want to close by sharing some budget-friendly options that will have the same feel while easier on your wallet. This pick from Amazon is an excellent pick at under $35. You don’t have to break your budget to look effortlessly relaxed!

So, that’s my side of the story. For what it’s worth, I’ve had my Nap Dress for about a month and have worn it consistently once a week. I wear it from work to running errands to dinner out and back. While I’ve yet actually to take a nap in it, I’m sure that task is coming soon! 

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

The Happiest Summer Print
📍 Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach

Maxi Dress (Short Version) || Sandals || Clutch || Earrings

After a few weeks of hiatus away from this blog and social media, I’m back and feeling more inspired than ever! While I think the break honestly did me a world of good, I wanted to come back to share the inspiration I found along the way. After all, my favorite season is beginning to wind down. I want to share all of the warm weather styles I can fit in. During my time away, I also got to do just the tiniest bit of travel which I’ll share the details of sometime next week. Until then, let’s have some fun with this beautiful dress from Roller Rabbit in the happiest summer print, shall we? 

There’s only been a fan full of times when a print truly took my breath away. Typically names like Lilly Pulitzer or Banjanan take that honor. That’s precisely what happened when I first laid eyes on this dress from Roller Rabbit while ‘window’ shopping on Shopbop. What’s not to love about this pattern that I’ve officially dubbed the ‘happiest summer print.’ A rainbow of colors and tropical motifs instantly invokes the feeling of sipping a frozen drink at an exclusive beach bar. It’s the kind of thing any Florida girl or Jetsetter would want in her closet.

With such beautiful pastel pinks and blues, the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete Beach seemed the perfect location to take this dress for a spin! Seriously, isn’t it just the perfect fit? While we only stayed for a quick breakfast, I knew I had dressed the part for an incredible beach weekend. As the saying goes, “dress for the job that you want!” After a few weeks of feeling a tad uninspired, the short visit was exactly what I needed to get the creative juices flowing.

Do you love the print but are not exactly sold on a full maxi dress? I completely understand and know how cumbersome they can be. For reference, I’m your very average 5’5″ and it was right on the line of being too long. While I wore my go-to Carrie Forbes sandals, something with a bit of height may have been the better call. Another solution is to take a quick look at the shorter version. It’s the same beautiful print, a similar price point, plus a playful ruffle detail at the collar. It’s also an opportunity to wear a cheerful pattern in a day setting like brunch with the girls or running errands. 

Raffia, rattan, and straw will always be at home amongst these stunning colors. I’ve been a devote fan of this particular straw clutch from J. Crew for well over a year. Sadly, the exact version has finally sold out. Don’t worry, though. Knowing this bag’s popularity, they have already launched an updated version that is practically identical. The biggest differences are slight tweaks to help you transition into fall. Slightly darker rattan with warm chocolate leather is perfectly all right with me. Even though my current clutch still looks to be in mint condition, I may have this one make its way into my rotation too. 

As my Instagram feed begins to fill up with visions of autumn leaves and pumpkin spice, I’m holding onto summer for dear life. Seeing as how it won’t even “feel” like fall until probably November, I figure I have plenty of time to wear the bright and vibrant tropical prints that make me happiest. Who’s wearing them with me?

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Why I Love Two-Piece Sets
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg

Crop Top || Midi Skirt || Similar Sandals || Clutch || Earrings

I think this is a total game changer! Recently, I’ve had my eye on several styles on two-piece sets, and I’m starting to see a trend. Maybe it’s because I have a penchant for floral dresses or want to put minimal effort into what I wear each day. Either way, this is a pretty new development for me. Initially, when I thought of two-piece sets, my mind would instantly go to options where I would be showing way too much skin for my comfort level. That’s never been something that’s interested me. However, I think there’s been a shift in what a two-piece set can be, and there’s no better example than this crop top and midi skirt combo from Target. Nope, it’s not a dress, but I appreciate the similarities. Let’s take a quick look at why I found a new love for two-piece sets and where you can find more modest options. 

They Are So Flattering

It’s my personal experience that dresses are incredibly flattering. Without fail, you can find one that flatters what you love the most about yourself while hiding everything else. It’s probably the number one reason why I gravitate towards dresses each day. The same can be true for two-piece sets. Because they are typically made from one style of fabric, they elongate and slims my frame. To help seamlessly join the two pieces together, consider adding a belt. Even if there’s a gap, no one will ever know the difference.

It’s Multiple Outfits In One

With a two-piece set, consider yourself free to mix and match with all of your favorite closet staples. Wearing together is always a given. I actually encourage it, but the possibilities are endless! Tops can be worn with your go-to pair of white jeans, while this midi skirt would look incredible with a tied white button-down. In fact, the ability to mix and match makes two-piece sets a breeze to transition from season to season. I have a trip to Newport scheduled for the fall, and I would love to wear this skirt with a cozy fisherman-style sweater.

They Are Literally Effortless

Has anyone received the compliment “Wow, you look so put together!” when wearing a dress? Thanks, I just threw on this frock and ran out the door! You get that same sense of ease when it comes to a great two-piece set. To quote the iconic Julia Berolzheimer, “…they create a whimsical, but still polished look when the pieces are paired together…” No matter the style or pattern, two-piece sets are seen as fun and youthful. Sometimes, that’s just the look you’re going for! 

Show Some Skin (If You Want)

It’s still the summertime, and the weather can be almost unbearably hot. Sometimes, showing a little more skin is the only reprieve you can find. While it’s not my favorite approach, I’m not a complete stranger to wearing outfits that are a touch more revealing. The beauty of a two-piece set is that you have more control over how much (or how little) you want to show. By all means, style a more modest look that is still work/church appropriate. If you’re on vacation or live in a sunnier destination, you can have a two-piece set that is still classy, fresh, and fashion-forward. It’s not many trends that can check all of the boxes! 

Want to take the guessing work out of styling a chic and effortless outfit? Adding a two-piece set to your summer wardrobe may be the perfect answer for you. Some of my brands to find inspiration and shop for sets are Target, Tuckernuck, Agua by Agua Bendita, and Staud. At four very different price points, you’re sure to find the perfect match, no matter your budget!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.