OOTD & Review: Davos Loungers

Cardigan: Tiered Ruffles Open Cardigan |  Top: Slanted Layers Tee (Ivory)
Pants: Davos Loungers | Shoes: Seychelles Lil Rascal Wedge Pump

I was feeling spring-like today and wanted an outfit to reflect that feeling.  I love the idea of patterned pants, but not in heavy denim or corduroy.  These rayon Davos Loungers fit the bill- they looked like silk crops and were delightfully comfortable to wear all day at work.  I have the Slanted Layers Tee in ivory and the aqua/ivory stripe pattern; both fit well in an XL and are both comfortable and flattering.  Both the cardigan and wedges have gotten a lot of love lately and so have definitely proven to be excellent purchases.

OOTD & Review: Spaced Striations Chemise & Hydrangea Border Cardigan

Cardigan: Hydrangea Border Cardigan | Dress: Spaced Striations Chemise
Shoes: Seychelles Lil Rascal Wedge Pump

The Spaced Striations Chemise is a lovely blue and white striped dress with sleeves that end just above the elbow.  Extremely comfortable, this dress has a fun hot-pink trim with buttons on the shoulders that adds just a little pizzazz.  The scoop neck is a great shape and I like the empire waistline.  My only quibble here is that I wish the dress were a couple of inches longer; I'm concerned about possible shrinkage when I clean this chemise.

The Hydrangea Border Cardigan is another delightful piece- light and airy, it is the perfect accent for spring.  This sweater is pretty sheer as you can see above; I enjoyed layering it over stripes but doubt it would work over another floral for example.  The cardigan has no closure but seems to fall perfectly- I did not have to spend the day fiddling to get it to sit right.  I love the flowery border of this flowy cardigan which looks great over a dress or jeans.

OOTD & Review: Space Dyed Smocked Chemise

Dress: Space Dyed Smocked Chemise | Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft (old)

Shoes: Seychelles Lil Rascal Wedge Pump 

I love this dress because it is a great heavyweight layering piece for winter.  The elastic smocking gives this piece shape and and makes it quite comfortable.  Would be great with tights and boots, though I wish it had sleeves rather than tank straps to make it a better work piece.  Since it is sleeveless, I would like to find a loose cowl neck to layer underneath.  I definitely consider this much more a dress than a chemise given the heft of the fabric.

OOTD & Review: Japonaise Blooms Print Dress

Dress: Japonaise Blooms Print Dress | Shoes: Nine West

This dress is a new addition to my wardrobe, one that came from eShakti.  I can't remember whose blog first sent me to eShakti, but I have bought a few things from them in the last year.  Though I do love the concept (a large range of sizes) and the ability to customize dresses (necklines, sleeves, length), I have found the customer service to be hit or miss.  The quality of the dresses have been exceptional, but size consistency just hasn't been there and shipping is often super-slow.

This dress was a definite hit for me- I love the print and the lines of the dress.  The dress is smocked in the back which helps with fit and comfort, and the length is bang on for work.  The soft lines of the rayon make those pleats not too bulky though I do wish the neckline was less plunging so I wouldn't have to wear a camisole underneath.  I wore this to work the day after it arrived, and got three different compliments from folks who have never before commented on anything I wear.  I love pockets and the fabric and think this is one of eShakti's better offerings.

The shoes are a couple of years old from Nine West (via DSW).  They are very comfortable and my only pair of orange shoes.  Though I like the pointy toe, I must confess they aren't wearing very well because the points have a tendency to catch and drag which is damaging the leather.  I don't wear them often, but they are comfortable to wear for the entire day running around at work.

(Sorry by the way for the smudge on the mirror- must clean that before taking more photos!)

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.