A few weeks ago, I hit a couple of Goodwill stores and found some cute summer dresses. Â I haven’t had the occasion to wear them yet, but you can bet I will soon. Â I’m heading to the beach in September, so some of these will probably go with me. Â They are cool and casual for beating summer heat and 2 of them are my favorite blue color, which is a nice bonus.
Y’all, it’s hot around here! Â I mean it’s sultry, can’t cool off without being in the pool, kind of summer hot right now and we’ve got one more brutal month to go. Â By this time of summer, I’m about over the heat and dreaming of Fall, although this year, I’ve made the most of it and have spent a fair amount of time in the pool or lake, floating on my float.
If you can’t beat it, join it!
And on that note, I’ve been embracing my curls again for summer. Â I had a keratin treatment at my salon early June and that helps with the frizz, but my coarse and thick hair still has a tendency to frizz. Â But, I’m using anti-frizz cream and letting the natural wave and curl take over the next month or so. Â I do enjoy having the option to have curls or to straighten it. Â Before the flat iron, I could never have straight hair, so that is a novelty to me. Â I do enjoy it both ways. Â I’ll do another post on hair and makeup products if you all are interested in that. I can share what works for me with the type hair I have. Â I definitely have to work with some anti-frizz products to try to keep the frizz down and some days are better than others.
By the way, I do use a 30 spf when I’m out in the sun and I try not to bake for too long, but I have enjoyed getting a tan this year. I know it’s not best for the skin and my skin really doesn’t take the sun that well (I have skin just like my dad’s), but I am protecting it with sunscreen and not burning. Â I do protect my face all the time.
So, before I share these summer dresses which show more skin than normal dresses, let me just say (before someone else chimes in and tells me the obvious) that I know how old I am.  I know that my skin and legs don’t look like I’m 30 anymore, but I enjoy summer clothes and staying cool requires dressing a little more bare during this time of year, so a halter dress and sleeveless dresses are fun for me.  I work hard at staying in shape and I feel good in these dresses. I’m not saying that everyone should dress like this, you should definitely dress how YOU feel comfortable.  Everyone might not think I look good in these and that’s fine too, it’s how I feel that I go by when trying on clothes.
So, today I’m sharing 3 dresses I found at the Goodwill this summer. Â This black and white checked dress was found at the Sandy Springs Goodwill for $6 and change. Â It fits me like a glove and I think I’ll wear it with these flat white flip-flops for a casual look.
It has embroidered flowers at the top and is really cute. Â It has no tags inside indicating maker or size, so I have no idea where it came from. Â It’s also lined very nicely.
These new bracelets are from my friend at Wrist Soiree, so check her out when you get a chance. She has some great inexpensive jewelry options in gold tones. Â I love the neutral stone one with the tassel too.
This next dress was also from Goodwill and is a Target Merona brand. Â I got these next 2 dresses on Senior day at Goodwill (over 55, woohoo!) so it was around $5, a real steal don’t you think?!
It’s a lightweight turquoise cotton dress lined in navy with navy piping. Â I’ll wear it with casual metallic sandals also from Target.
Easy and breezy for a casual summer look and hey, I match my patio!
The last dress I found at Goodwill was also a great deal. Â It’s a new (with the tags still on) Ann Taylor halter dress. Â The tags were marked $69 on sale, so at $5, I got a real deal on this one too. You never know what you’ll find at Goodwill, so digging sometimes is definitely worth it.
It fits nicely and I’ll more than likely wear flats with this dress too. I just wanted to show you these cute Nine West turquoise suede shoes I got recently. Â Yes, I know they don’t match this dress exactly in color, but they are really fun. Â With all the turquoise in my closet, I had to have these and they will be fun to wear with pants and jeans and maybe a dress. Â I can see these with my long maxi dress I just got.
I’ll probably stick to my white flip flops with this dress just to keep it casual and cool.
This will be a fun beach dress or a casual summer outing dress.
Here’s a closeup of those Nine West shoes (affiliate link).  You can find them online if you’re interested.  I love that they are only 2 1/2″ tall, so comfortable to wear. I can’t wear the high ones!  These also come in a pretty red suede and khaki color too, so I can see these being very versatile.
Here is the mother of pearl jewelry I had on in one of the shots. Â Love these for versatility too during the summer months.
Joining The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore.
I love a good strapless bra and this Warner’s  (affiliate link) is a good one.  It stays in place so much more than some cheaper ones I’ve had.Â
Here are a few dresses and shoes from Nordstrom that I love. Â Maxi dresses are really fun for summer, very cool and comfortable. Â This is the last week of the big online Nordstrom sale and they have some nice fashions and shoes. Â
Rhoda,
I think you look better at 50+ than I do in my 30s! Don’t listen to those critiques and negative comments about your body, your style, our anything else! Flaunt what you’ve got and wear what you want. ..I happen to think your taste in fashion is very classic and sophisticated with a fun, whimsical twist. Don’t even give any nod to those negative people by acknowledging them in your post. Keep doing what you do best! You are an inspiration! 😉
Anyone who puts themselves in endless selfies in blogs should always be ready for comments – praise or otherwise. It’s unrealistic to think only endless praises will come their way. We are all entitled to our own opinions.
You look great! We should all look that good.
Love the check dress, looks so good on you. All of them are great buys. Your hair is cute wavy. Your patio looks great too. Love to join you for a glass of lemonade!
I love all the dresses you are showing. I just love dresses period! But Summer dresses are the best. I am
58 and a size 6 and the only thing I miss about being in my twenties or thirties is all the cute sundresses they have out now. Too short and revealing for me but I have found some I can wear. I would wear all of yours Rhoda. One thing I would like to say is I hear women who are overweight or that have big thighs or veiny legs or whatever say they would never put on a bathing suit and go to the beach or pool again. I say put it on and go and enjoy yourself. I believe if what you put on doesn’t let it all hang out then wear it. That goes for shorts too. Don’t let spider veins, varicose veins, skinny legs or fat legs keep you from wearing shorts when it is so hot outside. I do think that as we age the need to cover up is greater but it doesn’t have to make us completely stop wearing the clothes we enjoy. I just wear longer dresses and shorts now. Life is too short to fret over what our legs look like .
Lynne, I so agree! I do see some older women showing a little too much thigh in shorter skirts and shorts. I’m just particular now about how much I show, because my skin isn’t as tight as it once was and I don’t need to be letting that all hang out. I try to highlight my assets and cover the rest that I don’t like as much and you’re right, it’s too hot in the summer not to wear shorts or dresses and there are clothes out there for everyone.
I’ve also learned that I’m the only one that really cares what I look like. Most people don’t even notice as they’re too concerned about themselves! Rhoda, that first dress is the best thing you’ve ever worn and the pic in the chair is the best you’ve posted. You look like a kid!
I try not to tan although I do so easily. I get a bit of sun on my legs running, but it’s spf50 and fake-bake for eveything wlse. We need some vitamin D after all! There’s nothing like a pool for raising one’s spirits.
I’m 71 and when I wear a dress (not often) I don’t put a thing on my ultra white legs! I say if people don’t like what they see, don’t look. I have to go to the Dermatologists every 6 months so I really don’t care what people say!!! Also, Rhoda, be very thankful for thick hair, trust me on this, thin hair is worse!!!! 🙂
One other solution on the short dress theme, buy a long dress and have it cut down to whatever length you like! I’m short so some tops are too long for me to wear, yes I know that’s the style, but I don’t like to look dumpy or frumpy in long tops that cover my butt so I have them cut off and hemmed. Works for me!!! 🙂
You look fantastic! Great choices!
I’m curious about the rug with the blue and green flowers. I love it! Where did you get it?
Hi, Sheila, that rug is from Overstock.com. I shopped around and several online stores had it, but they had the best price at the time.
Thank you all for the comments today. I guess my disclaimer is just a little way of saying that when I put myself out on the internet, there are going to be good and bad comments. I’m very fortunate to have such a great group of wonderful readers who are encouraging and say nice things. Sometimes I do get negative comments and when it’s about body image, age, or what I wear, it does hit a little close to home. For the most part, my blog is almost drama free and I’m very glad about that. I am confident in how I dress and that’s why I share with all of you! So thank you for coming back and being so supportive of these fashion posts, I appreciate you all!
Bah to those sourpusses. You inspired me to make it to the gym, even though it’s boiling hot out. 🙂
You are a lovely person inside & out! You look great in all 3 dresses, very tasteful. I find myself wearing my knee length shorts more this summer with the heat. I hate my spider veins, but at almost 58 what can you do??? LOL!!
Gina, you wear the shorts and don’t worry about it! It’s too hot to not wear shorts and no sleeves this time of year. Thank you!
Love the dresses!!! Which Goodwill Store do you go to? I have wandered through the one in Kennesaw and never could find anything. Do you have a pool in your backyard? I drive by your house everyday and never have seen one. Love your hydrenigas in your front yard.
Hi, Susan, I hit the Goodwill over by my sister on Shallowford Rd. when I’m over there & that’s where I found the Ann Taylor dress & Target dress. I just stopped in there today and found a White House Black Market top too, so if you look there’s good stuff out there. No, I don’t have a pool. My friend, Debbie, lives about 15 min. from me and I go to her house. Thanks on the front yard, I’m loving all the plants!
I love all the dresses and think you look great. I am 61 years old and I recently moved to Naples, FL from Atlanta. I am learning to wear sleeveless again. It is so hot here I just have to do it. My arms aren’t perfect but hey it is ok. I too work out and feel we are as young as we feel. The dresses are great. I too have curly hair and am letting it get a little longer. It is better to have it longer here because of the humidity. I can at least put it up here when it gets a little longer. Thx for keeping the bar high for us seasoned women. You look amazing.
The dresses look great on you, and I love your hair! Very beachy and modern-looking.
You look fantastic!
I think you look fantastic in all the dresses! What good deals you got. I am a thrift shop enthusiast also, and have found many wonderful things for myself and family. I love your blog and it was one of the first ones I read. Your blog just keeps getting better!
Great finds and the best part is you can wear them and look beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us what real beauty looks like!
What a deal on some really cute dresses and you look stylish and great in all of them.
You look great! I’m from Houston where it is hot and humid. Keeping comfortable and cool is paramount! Loved your posy!
Ooops….post.
Rhoda you look fabulous as always! I have a question totally off the subject of fashion… In the first photo of you in the halter dress, is that a long tube hummingbird feeder hanging above your head? If so where did you find that? I have to have one!
HI, ANgel, yes that is a hummingbird feeder. A company sent it to me to try out and it’s been up a few weeks. I’ve only seen about 2 or 3 hummers so far, but here’s the link to it. I’m hoping to get more hummers back there, love them.
http://www.birdfeeders.com/hummerbar
Thank you so much for sharing this post! I get so tired of seeing posts about outfits that cost hundreds of dollars. There are really good finds at thrift stores and those stores usually support really good causes. Hopefully people can see you can dress very nicely and look great without spending a fortune!
I enjoy all of your posts every day & love your colors in clothes as well as home decor. The aqua on your patio is so cheerful! You should be very proud of yourself in how your house has turned out!
Thank you, Linda! Yes, I do love my house so much and am grateful for it every day!
Rhoda, I think we have similar hair. I would love to know what you are using to defrizz your hair and maybe how you are styling it when you let it go curly. Love it curly. Thx.