Style Spotlight: A Garden Party Fit for a Zac Posen Dress

Before we admire the playful richness of this designer dress, let's take a moment to fawn over the tropical paradise that exceeds every lush and bountiful expectation. Welcome to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. This was actually my first visit to the historic grounds. I wasn't lying when I said I was rediscovering Miami again! One of the advantages of waiting this long to visit the tropical gardens is that I probably have more of an appreciation for its beauty and culture as an adult than I would have at let's say, 17. 

I wouldn't call myself a 'nature' person, but some doses of greenery does everybody a little good. You can easily spend hours exploring Fairchild with all its fairy-like forestry, storybook waterfalls, and magical garden paths. How many times did I envision a long rustic communal table, with mismatched porcelain place settings, lovely worn banquet chairs, cafe lights hanging low from trees, and a cluster of good friends dressed in floral garden dresses singing, dancing, and throwing back some delicious cocktails under the moonlight (my sweet girl vision involves zero mosquitoes)? Too many to count. So imagine my excitement when Liz (http://ra-haus.com/blog/) suggested the gardens as our next shooting location. 

Fairchild Tropical Gardens is named after David Fairchild, one of the most well-known plant explorers of the 19th and 20th century who dedicated his life to finding tropical plants that could be of use to the American people. In 1935, along with other notable plant enthusiasts and collectors, David opened the doors to the 83 acres of breathtaking botanical beauty that is now Fairchild's. The gardens are dedicated to preserving and conserving tropical plants as well as educating plant lovers from all walks of life through enrichment programs, tours, and festivals. 

Now let's get to the meat and potatoes of this post- the dress. And not just any dress, a Zac Posen for Target dress, proving yet again, that you don't need to plunk down thousands to get that designer look for less. And taking it one step further, I scored this gorgeous multicolored dress from my best friend's closet- new with tags. After a deep closet cleaning where we seriously purged her from the claws of outdated atrocities (nine bags total), she had forgotten all about the dress and had meant to give it to me a year later. Better late than never perfectly applies to this fashion scenario and now it's happily sitting in my closet! 

I love the combination of fuchsia and red. It's a such a euphoric pop of color that wears well with any skin tone. And sprinkle in emerald green, yellow, electric blue, and orange and it really takes the dress to new color heights and it screams fun! The print on the dress is a mash up of different colored safety pins. And just look at that back! Who doesn't love a train? It's an extra dose of fancy. I love the way it gathers and knots in the back allowing for the dress to have a slight peek-a-boo component. 

Since the dress is such a staple and pretty much speaks for itself, accessories were kept to a bare minimum. I layered a collection of necklaces from Helen Ficalora, Chip and Chisel, and this stunning emerald green horn from Jaimie Nicole Jewelry. The handmade stone earrings are extra special because I got them from a road vendor in Istanbul when Coco and I visited a few years ago. 

This dress feels like it belongs at Fairchild's and it might just be the perfect dress to wear to that dreamy garden party under the stars! 

For more information and to visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, click here. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/

On Me: 

Dress- Zac Posen for Target
Earrings- Istanbul 
Necklaces- Helen Ficalora, Chip and Chisel, Jaimie Nicole Jewelry


In Style, 

Kat