I once went to Paris – for three weeks – with only a carry-on suitcase. I love packing. My love stems in part from the excitement of the trip itself, but also because packing is the ultimate puzzle: suduko and jigsaw rolled into one. YESSS.
(Unpacking, however, UGH. Don’t get me started.)
So I was pretty excited when my friend Bella, of NINOBrand, showed me this dress. I mean this top. This top that – wait for it – turns into a dress. And it’s not one of those tunic-length things where on short people it’s a dress, but on tall girls it’s a top – NO. It turns into a legitimate dress, a maxi-length dress by way of some seriously inspired pattern engineering on Bella’s part.
That girl? She’s a genius. (If you missed our profile on Bella last year, it’s worth a read. And there are a ton of pics of her amazing line to get a feel for what she’s about.)
Additionally, this dress is also one of those dresses that feel super casual but look amazingly glam. AND is machine-washable. See what I mean? GENIUS.
Keep reading to see The Miraculous Transformation From Top To Dress, info on where you can find Bella’s dress, and……
…a super secret surprise that Bella and I have been cooking up.
Oh Hi – I’m A Top
Behold My Transformative Power
OMG RIGHT????
Et Voila: A Glam (Yet Comfy) Dress
Outfit Details
dress: NINOBrand Liv Dress (wearing a size 1, for reference) – note the cool hem. The flare at the bottom looks good even if it hits higher up the leg (for the tall mamas).
shorts: Frame denim (size 25 for reference – these are high-waisted, btw)
sunglasses: Warby Parker
clutch: Madewell vacation clutch
bracelet: Chan Luu wrap bracelet
shoes: super old – but these are similar
Also? I have a secret.
Bella’s Liv dress retails for $490. Which…..considering that you get two versatile pieces, it’s machine washable and made in the USA….
….but still. I wanted a more affordable version. And Bella loves a challenge. So. In these last few pics I may or may not be wearing a prototype of a dress with a few design tweaks to keep costs down, in a special collaboration between NINOBrand and TME.
Maybe.
We’ll see.
And anyway, if it was said prototype….it wouldn’t actually be launching until later in June, so just….keep a lid on it, wouldya?
Like…..shhhh.
More soon. (promise)
xo,
S
All pics by the oh-so-talented Redfield Photography.
Oh please make this happen! I love the top/dress, I love to travel, but that’s a little out of my price range (champagne taste….). Beautiful and super smart!
I have that dress! I love it. Such genius. Thanks for the awesome post.
This is awesome! Keeping my fingers crossed for that special collaboration!
Love the shoes with both incarnations of that piece! Cool GIF too, but maybe a tripod next time? I got a little dizzy.
I much prefer the neckline on the prototype myself, more flattering on petite frames. Can’t wait to see more in late June!
It looks gorgeous! I love it ?
Dying to know what it’s made from.
Love it!
Makes me want to travel!! 😀 Want it. Will never get it. But it’s a fun idea. Would be nice if more clothing could be so multifunctional!! I like to see innovation at work.
yes!! PLEASE!!!!..oh and the cool sandals in the first pics?
LOVE!!!! ♥️♥️
Love it!
Love it! But I love the scoop on the prototype even more!!
So.COOL.
Thisd is great ..I love it..black is an all purpose color for sure for this top/dress///
I love the fuller shoulder in the original…but I am sure the price point will be better with the remake…PLEASE!!!xoxo
Canadian gals! Check out Encircled clothing for transforming pieces like this – ethically made! Super comfortable, and not $500 ( our exchange rate is just so, so awful right now Shauna 🙁
so cool!!
What?! Brilliant! I’ll be keeping my eyes open for the collab
That is beautiful and GENIUS! You just raised the bar, I mean, I am thinking how many things in my closet are beautiful and genius? It looks great on you Shana. I can’t wait to see the final collaboration.
IN!!!! So exciting.
Prefer the neckline on the prototype too – it’s all about easy access! Can’t nurse in the original.