Designer Feature: Style Notes
Style Notes: DSW Summer 2025
Texture Play: We layered a lightweight, open-knit crochet cover-up over a bright coral bikini. The delicate scalloped pattern of the top lets bits of the swimsuit peek through, creating visual interest without competing with the scenery.
Pop of Color: The hand-beaded sandals (teals, oranges, neutrals) echo the pastel tones of the water and towel behind her. The watercolor-inspired headscarf (teals and purples) ties back to both the ocean and the jewelry, keeping the palette cohesive yet unexpected.
Accessory Layering: Simple hoop earrings, two delicate silver chains, and a chunky ring add just the right metallic sheen—nothing too heavy, but enough to catch sunlit glints. They elevate the “day on the sand” look into something editorial.
Beach-Ready Mood: By having her sit cross-legged on a classic yellow lounge chair, we combined a relaxed, “caught-in-a-moment” vibe with styling that still feels meticulously curated, exactly the balance brands like DSW look for in lifestyle campaigns.
Shop DSW: https://www.dsw.com/product/madden-girl-spotlight-sandal/592805?activeColor=491
Vibrant Color Blocking: Layered a hot-pink bikini top under a crisp white button-down. The white shirt keeps things fresh and editorial, while the pink pop ties into the popsicle truck’s “Yummy” graphic and the striped shorts.
Print-Driven Shorts: The pink-and-white striped shorts pick up on the vintage roadside-cart vibe and echo the popsicle stripes behind her—creating a subtle pattern echo without overwhelming the frame.
Minimal Jewelry for Sunlit Glints: Simple gold hoops and a delicate chain necklace provide just enough shine. Nothing too heavy—just enough to catch the afternoon sun and lend a touch of polish.
Transparent Jelly Sandals: Opted for clear jelly flats to give a nostalgic, summer-camp feel. Because they’re see-through, they don’t compete with the scene’s colors, but still read as a statement (“retro yet wearable”).
Shop DSW : https://www.dsw.com/product/madden-girl-sweet-jelly-fisherman-sandal/594500?activeColor=clear
Bold Color Pairing: The bright pink knotted heels were chosen to contrast the sunny yellow Farm Rio dress—this adds an unexpected pop that feels fresh and editorial. Pink sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it instantly elevates the look from “pretty” to “eye-catching.”
Maxi Dress Silhouette: The halter-neck style with a low-v waistline highlights the model’s frame without overwhelming her. The flowy skirt allows the floral border print to “catch the breeze,” emphasizing movement as she walks the marina.
Floral & Nautical Dialogue: The tropical floral pattern on the Farm Rio dress (toucans, palm leaves, hibiscus) plays off the yacht backdrop. Anchoring botanical motifs against the harbor creates a subtle “land meets sea” narrative; perfect for campaigns that want destination wedding vibes.
Minimal Jewelry with Impact: Because the dress print is so vibrant, I kept jewelry simple yet striking: a pair of chunky gold statement earrings (floral or sun-inspired shapes) and a slim gold band ring. They add a luxe glint without competing with the dress’s busy print.
Handheld Accent: A small woven clutch or clear-acrylic clutch (should coordinate with the dress’s colors) works best, something you can slip under one arm so it doesn’t distract from the dress silhouette or the pink sandals.
Hair & Beauty: Sleek braids or a low bun keep the focus on the halter cut and earrings. If worn down, hair should be tucked behind the ears to show off the earring shape. Makeup is sunlit and dewy, bronzed cheeks and a soft coral lip echo the pink of the sandals without overpowering.
Overall Palette Harmony: The combination of sunny yellow + leafy green and red florals + fuchsia pink sandals—stays cohesive because every hue appears at least once in the dress’s pattern. This ensures the sandals don’t feel “extra”; they’re simply an intensified note within an already color-rich story.
Shop DSW: https://www.dsw.com/product/kelly-and-katie-heather-sandal/569599?activeColor=660
Creative Director: @amandamorris_cbus
Production : @go_popolo
Photog : @jesslynnhess
Video : @chrisborman
Art Dept : @conorfaysetdesign
Hair : @coreytuttlehair
Make Up : @angelgabrielmakeup @andreadellaglio
Wardrobe : Me @ninaverklas with my amazing team @taj.iz.zzz and @gabbastyles
Models: @q_salmon with @thesourcemodels