Darlings, I’ve taken a new lover this summer. Oh for goodness sakes…. Pick your jaws up off the floor and take a listen! Whether day or night, my lover is always there for me, adding a touch of elegance to any event. My lover is alluring in an easy, breezy, comfortable way. My lover doesn’t care if I’ve indulged in too much guacamole and chips. My lover is very forgiving that way. Who, you ask, is this fabulous man?
Well my dears, it’s not a man at all… It’s the Caftan!
I’m quite taken with it this season and am not shy about proclaiming my adoration for these enchanting, flowy garments. When I think of a caftan, or kaftan (both spellings are correct), it conjures up images of exotic summer nights in the ’60’s and ’70’s. I picture glamorous women with their hair in a chignon, languishing poolside and sipping cocktails while Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 plays in the background.
Tom Jones! What a sexy man and so much flirting going on, especially with the first sultry beauty with the cocktail in her hand! Take a closer look… Doesn’t she look familiar?
Today caftans are fast becoming every girl’s summer staple. Not just considered a beach cover-up, they’re versatile enough to wear to any elegant affair. Why even Meryl Streep’s character, Kay Graham in The Post, sported a spectacular scene-stealing caftan. It was worth the price of admission I might add!
Inspired by a dear friend, who frequently dons caftans while hosting elegant luncheons at her home, she accessorizes with over sized pearls and silk slippers… I decided to take the caftan out for a spin myself.
The beginning of the love affair started when I spotted that gorgeous shade of aqua. The Ines Maxi Kaftan by Melissa Odabash, with it’s pom pom trim and detailed embroidery, has that combination of fun and chic that makes lounging by the pool absolute heaven. I paired my caftan with natural toned accessories, but, it would look just as fab with strappy sandals and loads of bling.
To give my look that chic bohemian vibe, I chose the Naima Slides by Carrie Forbes. In handwoven raffia, these unique sandals are sleek and timeless. They really give this ensemble a cool effortless look.
A basket inspired bag has been on every fashion girl’s Instagram account this season, including our own Brenda Coffee! So practical and fun, the Blaise Straw Tote by Munn is hand woven and features cotton trim. This bag is flexible and large enough to hold my beach towel, sunscreen, and much to my delight, even my large bottle of Campari!
So my fashionable friends, whatever the occasion, whether it’s lounging at the beach, poolside cocktails or an elegant dinner party, you’re sure to find a caftan to your liking. Now, where did my Cabana Boy run off to? Darling… I need a refill of my Campari and orange juice!
Cheers Loves,
XOXO, Hildie
20 Comments
I’m a huge Kaftan lover too! I have a couple from the 70’s handed down to me from mother too. Elegance and comfort in a simple styled piece of material xx
Laurie, how lucky you are to own some vintage caftans! I hope you’re wearing them this summer! “You’re right in style Darling!”, Hildie would say!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
I just love your illustrations.
Somebody who can really rock a caftan is Vintage Contessa. She truly lives up to her title. Elegance everywhere.
I hesitate on the caftan only because I am short and pear-shaped and because I fear I will look like I’m in my pajamas. However I have seen a number of chic women around town in caftans and they look elegant and cool and quite awake.
My Dear Taste of France, Oh you should try and give the caftan a spin, like Hildie did! Try baby steps and just wear it as a beach cover-up. Add some bling and you’re good to go. You caught my reference to the Contessa in the copy! She’s famous for her caftans!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Hildie – you’ve done it again! You’ve given me permission to wear something I really want to wear, but couldn’t muster up the courage to don! As always, I love your illustrations… would you ever consider selling some as prints? I’d love a coup!e, to frame and display, in my dressing room. (When I move into a house again soon 🙂 )
Dearest Donna, Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I do hope you give a caftan a try, at least at the pool or at the beach! Just watch the compliments come your way when you do! I do sell prints, thank you for asking. You can just contact me by direct message on Hildie’s Instagram page!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Brenda, The addition of the video is brilliant!!! Love it!!! You must tell us who the mystery lady is!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Why Jill… Isn’t it Hildie? Look closer… The nose and striking face and nobody flirts like Hildie! xoxox, Brenda
Oh my gosh Brenda! You’re right! Oh that Hildie! She’ll have to tell us some of her Tom Jones stories! The girl gets around!
XOXO, Jill
OH HILDIE!
YOU MADE MY DAY!!!!!!
CAFTANS and COCKTAILS were the theme of my PARTY and CAMPARI was a GIVEN!!!!!!!!
I could wear a CAFTAN from Morning till Night!!!!!!!!Changing of course to go from runaround errands to an elegant SOIREE AT THE PLAZA!
BASKETS Are mentioned on my AGELESS STYLE POST TODAY as well!POP over to see THE ITALIAN WOMAN I FEATURED who makes those EXQUISITE BASKETS!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE HILDIE…………so HONORED!
XOXO
Hildie:
Can’t wait for your posts in the future! I am a friend of “La Contessa” and she is a QUEEN of caftans!
Hi Donna. Thank you so much and the Contessa certainly is Queen of the Caftans! Hildie is her Caftan Lady in Waiting!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Oh Contessa, I’m delighted you liked this post! How could I not talk about caftans without a mention of our dear Contessa!!!! I do think you are partly responsible for it’s popularity these days! You and Hildie have excellent taste in caftans and cocktails! I will pop over to see the blog!
Cheers to the Queen of Caftans!!!!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
I don’t live in a climate where I can swan about in caftans all day…I think I may need to emigrate. Though we have had a good summer in Ireland this year! But the rain has returned and I may have missed my chance. Darn.xxxx
Hilda! Well my dear, you can always wear one at the hotel pool, or when you’re just lounging at home having a cocktail. I could so see Hildie doing that! Thank you my dear Hilda!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Of course I knew who you were referring to. She is the perfect caftan model. Me at 5’4′ and ample bosoms doesn’t think they would look so well. But I do adore them on others. Adore your illustrations and now your blog. Divine my dear.
Oh Sandra my stylish friend, thank you so much! Truth be told, I have never worn one myself but love them on others too! Well, I knew Hildie would look fabulous in one!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Hildie darling girl,
I loved Meryl Streep’s caftan in the Post! She rocked it!
I think caftans will replace the long dusters for next season as evey fashion gets recycled.
How clever of you to see next summers fashion trend!
Hugs,
Robin
https://helloim50ish.com
Hi Robin. Thank you so much! I did notice caftans popping up on every fashion girl all over Instagram. I’m sure next year the trend will be even bigger! Oh Meryl’s caftan! Now that was swoon worthy! Simply divine!
XOXO, Jill Anthony
Visiting from Thursday Favorite Things. The word Caftan stood out to me as you don’t see that word very often so I had to check out your post.