Being a pale girl, I’m always looking for dresses and tops with sleeves. I very rarely wear a spaghetti or slim strap tank mainly because I’ve been self-conscious of my white, rounded shoulders. (although I have embraced the off the shoulder look but only when I know I’m going to be inside). I also find wearing tops with that extra bit of sleeve means I can avoid adding another chore to my morning routine of applying sunscreen to my back and shoulders.
I think it was Vanessa from Style and Shenanigans who shared via Instagram a shrug she purchased from Sha-de and it was just the thing I was looking for to wear to the beach to cover my shoulders or to wear over a dress or tank top when out in the sun.
When I researched online I instantly loved the resort wear from Sha-de. When I learned that the clothes were ethically made in Melbourne, offered more sun protection than most of the clothes in my wardrobe and were made out of breathable and hypoallergenic Bamboo, I was keen to get some Sha-de into my wardrobe.
After a recent meeting with one of the stylist’s as part of the Sha-de brand, I got to see the up and coming styles for Summer. I was instantly taken by this Blue Palm Print Dress. And ironically it has been named after a beach very close to my husband’s family’s home – Ballina.
The Ballina Dolman Dress is so easy to wear. Yes it’s a long sleeve dress and yes it’s SUMMER, but I have felt cool when out and about in it. I can also imagine myself wearing the dress to the beach over my togs or worn out at night dressed up with heels and a belt.
I got the dress in an XL and I could have gone down to a L but I like the airiness in the dress and being able to cinch it in with a belt.
I feel the print acts like a stripe in that it feels busy but it’s not when you put the dress on. The dress is trans-seasonal and can be accessorised with a bold necklace or a printed scarf.
This print also comes in a drop hem t-shirt and drop crotch pant.
Sha-de clothes are not just great for wearing out in the sun, they are also great for travelling. They roll up quite small and don’t require ironing. If I were to travel on a long distance flight I would wear the Byron Pant in Indigo and the Avoca tee in Watermelon or Indigo as knowing me I always drop food on myself when on a plane.
Some of my other favourite looks from Sha-de are the Balmoral Dress In Indigo, the Lorne Skirt in Indigo with the Cream Avoca Tee (as pictured below on me) and of course the shrug which can be worn all year round.
Sha-de also offers clothing for the kids. My girls love their Hide and Seek Hoodies which they wear over their togs before and after going swimming.
Esther wearing Hide and Seek Hookie in Orchid, Maggie Wearing Hide and Seek Hoodie in Aquamarine.
One of the best things about Sha-de the label is that all the clothing items are made in Australia. They are eco-friendly and ethically produced, here in Melbourne. I like to be able to support locally produced clothes when I can and this label is one to support.
For all Styled by Bec readers, I have a special code where you can receive 10% off your first order. Enter the unique code BEWOR10 to receive 10% off your order.
Are you particular about what you wear in the sun? Do you have fair skin like me?
Disclaimer: I was gifted items from the Sha-de label for the purposes of this post. All views and opinions are my own. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.