A Long Weekend in Burlington with Caro of Fig Dreams

This isn’t the first time Carolyn of Fig Dreams Clothing and Designs has guest posted on Wore Out. Caro’s an amazing stylist, designer, and vintage clothing aficionado so I was beyond excited when she agreed to style up the perfect looks for a long weekend in Burlington.

Burlington, Vermont offers some of the best ways to relax and take in local flavor, especially in the summer. Here are my offerings from the racks of Downtown Threads to give you the most options and freedom wardrobe wise in the good ol’ 802.

Hat: Vintage,  Dress: Handmade by Where Designs, Tote Bag: Unknown Arts You cannot visit Burlington for a long weekend without hitting up the Farmer’s Market. Spend the morning on Saturday strolling the booths bursting at the seams with fresh produce, local meats, honey, maple products, and delicious treats. This locally made mint green baby doll dress paired with a felt hat will get you through the crowds perfectly. This hand printed tote by Unknown Arts is the perfect size for all of your goodies.

Vintage Bathing suit, denim shorts, & baja shirt: Downtown Threads After the Farmer’s Market begins to wind down, the temperature has crept up. I suggest hitting a local watering hole for some sun and beach fun. A quick bus or car ride will take you to North Beach. Located in Burlington, near the bike path off North Ave, North Beach offers sandy beaches, grills, and plenty of grass to play frisbee. I am loving this psychedelic print vintage one piece suit with sailor inspired denim shorts. As the sun begins to fall in the sky, a chilly breeze might just creep in across the lake. I suggest a baja shirt to stay warm and to keep mosquitoes off your back.

Blue Shorts, Vintage bag, & Short sleeved silk top: Downtown Threads Cocktail time. There are too may restaurants to name here, but for great food and an amazing hand picked wine selection, I recommend Pistou Restaurant.  These bright shorts and the fun bag would be the perfect pairing for dinner on the patio. A short sleeved silk button up keeps you cool without fuss.

Vintage cardigan, Floral dress, and Vintage hat: Downtown Threads Sundays around here are for two things. Brunch and coffee. This sweet floral dress and the mint green cardigan are super comfy but with the felt hat, you look pulled together. Sundays sometimes offer some great live music at The Radio Bean. This chic but hipster flavored outfit will ensure you will fit in with the locals.

 Lace top & Snakeskin Shorts: Downtown Threads, Printed American Apparel Bra: Where Designs, Chic Necklace: Boom Shaka Laka Designs. You have to experience Reggae Night at Nectar’s sunday night if you want to see what summer is allll about in Burlington, Vermont. It gets hot on the dance floor, and to keep you staying cool I love this combination of lace, gold, and hand printed deliciousness. The sheer lace top will keep you covered but over breathing room once you work up a sweat to the amazing beats. Of course the gold snakeskin patterned booty shorts will keep your legs at the center of it all. Accessorize with a funky necklace and you are ready for a hot time, summer in the city.

Carolyn Phelps Little manages Downtown Threads, where all of these pieces were gleaned from.

Wading at Lewis Creek

Sunglasses: Zinnia, Dress: Downtown Threads, Assorted Bracelets, Sandals: UO, Gifted RingThis dress was my first purchase from Downtown Threads and is a summer favorite. It’s a one size fits all dress with convertible straps so while it’s not tailored to my body I’m able to get by wearing it as a halter top or by crossing the straps in the back.

This flimsy decidedly casual frock was perfect for an afternoon of wading in and lounging along Lewis Creek while D perfected his fly fishing skills. I love the length of the skirt but since there was wading to be done I knotted it up and loved the result. I can’t wait to wear it again.

What pieces in your summer wardrobe have been getting the most use? 

Mullets and Democrats

Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Tank: Old Navy, Skirt & Shoes: TJ Maxx, Bracelet: GiftedI’m not one to get political but the headquarters of the Burlington Democratic Party proved to be the perfect backdrop for this quick round of outfit photos. These Guess peep-toe pumps are beyond comfortable and add the perfect touch of Oxford snobbery to my floral mullet skirt.

Simple separates (like the ones I’m wearing above) and lightweight sundresses have solidified their spots as summer wardrobe staples. They are as comfortable as they are versatile making it easy to go from casual drinks with friends to a downtown dinner date with D, and if they can stand up to an occasional unplanned dip in the lake they’re worth their weight in gold.

What are your summer wardrobe staples?

Peacock on a Dock

Sunglasses: Zinnia, Jacket: TJ Maxx, Bag & Dress: Forever 21 Necklace: Battery St Jeans, Ring: Kohl’s, Belt: Goodwill, Flats: Target

A summer dress in just the right shade of green with a dash of peacock and leopard made for a beautiful morning on the dock at the Lake Champlain Sailing Center.  The mullet style hem made walking feel more like floating and while the wind was perfect for showing off the dress’s movement it wasn’t doing my hair any favors.

Tonight is the annual third of July fireworks display in Burlington and D and I are planning a picnic potluck with a few friends to celebrate. I’ve always found the Fourth of July  incredibly romantic. Something about the heat of the summer, glowing sparklers, and bare feet in green grass just gets me, so I’m excited that we’re keeping things a bit more low-key this year.

How are you planning on celebrating Independence day? What are your favorite Fourth of July traditions?

Showing a Little Lace

Dollar Store Sunnies, Kimono Jacket: Forever 21, Dress: Macy’s, Vintage Slip: Goodwill,   Bag: Rue 21, Rose Ring: Charlotte Russe, Necklace: Downtown Threadskudos to my friend Alicia for snapping this picture while I was flapping around like a bird trying to show off my great kimono style jacketI used to avoid white dresses like the plague. Not only do I have a tendency to wear what I eat but underwear wise they were always a logistical nightmare! Thankfully I’ve since started collecting vintage slips and underthings which have made it much easier for me to enjoy wearing LWDs (little white dresses) all summer long.

I wore this casual ensemble to a friends house for an afternoon BBQ and a stroll along the Winooski River Walk. I love the oversized almost tent like quality  of this dress, making it perfect for BBQ feasting on oppressively hot days. The lace peeking out from under the hem added a fun vintage touch and kept everything g-rated. I know you’re not supposed to let your slip show, but sometimes it feels good to break the rules!

What fashion rules have you been breaking? Are you a fan of LBDs or LWDs?

Semi Sheer Skirts

Dollar Store Sunnies, Tank & Skirt: Downtown Threads,  Bangles & Ring: Gifted, Bag: Rue 21, Sandals: Old NavyFor some reason the idea of wearing a sheer maxi skirt with built in shorts seemed far riskier than wearing a sheer chiffon skirt on it’s own. I think it was one of those cases where I worry about something that isn’t very noticeable or newsworthy to anyone else but seems glaringly awkward to me. In the end I thought the knotted shirt and bright bag were the perfect counterweights and I’m already looking forward to wearing this skirt out again.

How have you been styling sheer pieces this summer?

Hot in Burlington

Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, Blouse: H&M (via The Clothes Exchange), Belt: Goodwill, Skirt: Kohl’s, Snakeskin Heels: Target, Ring: GILT, Assorted BanglesTrying to look cool, crisp, and collected when you’re sweating like Nixon during the 1960’s presidential debates is close to impossible. Luckily I had the foresight to snap these pictures before my walk home… how it was still in the 90’s at 6:30pm is beyond me.

For days when the heat in Burlington is oppressive and I feel like I’m melting a la Alex Mack style I stick with light colors, fluttery fabrics, and simple silhouettes. I don’t like anything close to clingy when it’s this warm so a linen blouse and light weight skirt were perfect and breezy.

How do you stay cool and fresh in the summer heat?