OOTD & Review: Graduated Dots Dress

Dress: Graduated Dots Faux Wrap Dress | Shoes: Seychelles Lil Rascal Wedge Pump

Wow- an outfit that doesn't involve anything from Anthropologie!  This dress is a new arrival from Lane Bryant, a store I find hit or miss in sizing sometimes because I suspect I am too short to be their target customer.  I love the polka dots and the flowing fabric, but wasn't certain about the dolman sleeves when I first tried it.  My mom and sis were visiting for the holidays and voted "yes" so the dress has joined my growing collection.  I would love to pair this dress with a red belt to go with the shoes but of course was running late and couldn't find it- maybe next time! I like the just below the knee length especially for work; it makes it easier to go without tights when the temperatures are high (80 degrees F here today!)  The faux wrap neckline is a little low for my taste so I'm wearing a lace-trimmed cami beneath to bridge the gap.

The shoes are from DSW and I confess I like them so much I own them in three colors (red, black, and a mustard yellow).  I love the bow and the wedge is unbelievably comfortable even when I'm running up and down stairs all day.  Like all my shoes from Seychelles, these run TTS so my usual size 8.5 works perfectly.

OOTD & Review: Weft Pleats Chemise

Cardigan: Frilled & Thrilled Cardigan | Dress: Weft Pleats Chemise
Tights: Penneys | Boots: Lyra Booties

I've been really pleased lately with the plethora of chemises from Anthropologie that make cute dresses, and this textured grey offering is a happy addition to my wardrobe.  The complex pleats on the skirt make for a very interesting look and I love the dark grey color as well.  The elastic band at the waist is a con- not high enough for my taste and certainly a little on the tight side though this isn't obvious with a cardigan on top.  Still if not for the tight waistband, I would be able to wear this dress without a topper which would be more versatile.  The neckline is flattering and the chemise is quite comfortable to wear all day even with the stiff elastic.  Definitely a win for my winter wardrobe!

OOTD & Review: Indigoflora Love

Coat: Indigoflora Velveteen Coat | Dress: Sweater Dress from Old Navy (winter 2012)

Tights: Hue | Boots: Lyra Booties

I cannot begin to express how much I love this coat!  I fell in love when I saw it on Roxy here, but I never thought I would be its proud owner because number sized items are not my friend at Anthro.  When I read that Roxy thought it ran two sizes two big, I decided to go ahead and order the 14, never thinking it would fit but knowing I had to try.  The coat arrived yesterday and I was delighted to discover that it did run big and would be making its home with me.  The coat buttons easily, though when moving around it does sometimes develop a bit of a pull over the bust- I plan to add a snap in between the widely spaced 2nd and 3rd buttons to address this potential problem.  I'm a size 18 apple but have plenty of space in the waist in this piece.

The sweaterdress is a comfortable and inexpensive knit from Old Navy with a cowl neck and some slight ribbing at the waist.  I also love the Lyra Booties that I picked up on sale in two colors.  Though many reviewers found them to run small, I think they are TTS for narrow feet; my sister has wider feet and ordered a 1/2 size up.  They have no padding on the bottom which can be hard on the balls of the feet if you do a lot of walking; I intend to add a small insole to help.  Best of all, they have a slight glitter to them which is delightful in the sunshine.

OOTD: can a chemise be work appropriate?

Dress: Partridge Peck Chemise | Jacket: Old Navy from 2004
Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Contrast Cuff Booties 

Necklace: Multitudes Necklace | Earrings: Jingled Hoops

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I ordered this chemise from Anthro after seeing it on Roxy here because I loved the color of the top and the pattern of the skirt.  The chemise fits, and is comfortable, but a large bust means the waist sits much higher on me than on the model.  The scoop neck and color of the top are lovely, but this is another dress that over-emphasizes my chest so I decided it needed a topper.

The jacket was languishing in the should-probably-be-donated part of my closet until I pulled it out for this ensemble; it might now be staying!  Ideally, I would like a short fitted cardigan to wear with this chemise.

The material is thin so a slip was a must for me, and I doubt I will wear it in warmer weather without tights because it is a little short for my taste.  Still, a very comfortable and I think cute option for spring and fall.