OOTD & Review: Convergent Jersey Dress

Cardigan: Luzula Cardigan |  Dress: Convergent Jersey Dress
Tights: Hue | Boots: Cherry Stem Boots

I love the Luzula Cardigan- an older piece that was one of my very earliest Anthropologie purchases.  It is light and full of wonderful colors and swirly patterns that make it a great topper for so many outfits.  I love the 3/4 length sleeves and the reinforced button placket; I wear this sweater to work a lot.

The Convergent Jersey Dress is a new arrival and I love it.  So soft and so comfortable- this jersey dress is a winner with its long sleeves and side ruching.  The back has no ruching and so is a little clingy for my taste, but with a cardigan or jacket, this isn't an issue.  I do with the sleeves were a tad shorter, but the length of the dress itself is perfect so I'll cope.

The Cherry Stem Boots are a favorite purchased last year and reviewed here.

OOTD & Review: Flowerfield Chemise and Dankov Cabled Blazer

Dress: Flowerfield Jersey Chemise | Cardigan: Dankov Cabled Blazer
Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Cherry Stem Boots

Coat: Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Coat (Old Navy) | Earrings: Jingled Hoops

I do so love these suede Cherry Stem Boots.  I missed them on sale at Anthro but was then lucky enough to find them on the EA Trademarket just in time for my birthday last year.  The pull and and fit great; I wish they were not quite so slouchy in the ankles but that is a quibble- they are extremely comfortable with a great lugged sole.

The Flowerfield Chemise is comfortable if a bit thin to wear out in the work without a slip or tights.  I love the pattern of the skirt though the light great top is not a great color on me.  I like the neckline and wish the sleeves were a bit shorter but I can make that change if necessary.  This definitely works as a dress but for me requires a layering piece.

The Dankov Cabled Blazer in beige fits the same as the red one I talked about here.  In photos it looks very bland- I would like to add a scarf and maybe wear my hair down next time to break up the light neutral of this piece.

OOTD & Review: Dankov Cabled Blazer

Dress: Partridge Peck Chemise | Cardigan: Dankov Cabled Blazer
Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Lyra Booties 

Coat: Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Coat (Old Navy) | Earrings: Jingled Hoops

Ah yes, winter comes to Saudi Arabia.  Truthfully, winter here was about 50 degrees so not punishingly cold by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly a difference from the 130 degrees we hit during the summer months.  The brief chill allowed me to bundle up a bit and to add some much needed color to my outfit.

The purple coat hails from Old Navy and is a wonderful winter jacket.  I love the purple color and the ruffle neck, though I suspect the coat might flap in the wind because of where the buttons end.  Old Navy can be hit or miss for me on coats, but this is a rare win.

I've been waiting for the Dankov blazer for a while (one order went astray so I ordered it again at which point of course both boxes showed up on my doorstep!) and now that I have it, my feelings are mixed.  It is very comfortable, and I love the color.  This is also a wonderfully warm sweater, and I like the structured look of it for work.  The sleeves are a but long, and bell out at the end which was awkward with the coat.  I also think it doesn't photograph well, which is a shame because I think it looked better in person than it does above.  The fact that it is a thicker knit adds bulk, but the structured shape helps keep it reasonable.  I suspect this blazer looks better on someone with a smaller bust but I will be keeping it regardless.

OOTD & Review: Capon Robe and Tiered Ruffles Open Cardigan

Cardigan: Tiered Ruffles Open Cardigan | Dress: Capon Robe
Slip: Seamless Slip in Cream | Shoes: Nine West

I ordered the Capon Robe ages ago, not really realizing that it has roosters on it until after it shipped!  When it did arrive, I was surprised by how much the robe better resembled a wrap dress, at least on me vs. on the Anthropologie model.  I've been hanging onto this unworn piece for months, until the arrival of the Tiered Ruffles Open Cardigan sparked an outfit idea.  The robe/dress is very easy to wear, though I needed to pair it with this super-comfortable slip in order to reduce the cleavage and to minimize the visible leg when walking.  Now that I know I the robe as a dress, I'll likely tack the wrap to help hold it together in the future.  

The cardigan is another comfortable piece.  I love the 3/4 length sleeves (easier for typing at work) and the little pockets (great for a tissue).  The best part of this sweater is the layered back, which adds a lovely touch of visible interest from all angles.

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: 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.

OOTD: dressing up for Thanksgiving

Dress: Flared Caraz Dress | Cardigan: In a Tizzy Cardigan 

Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Contrast Cuff Booties 

Necklace: Multitudes Necklace | Earrings: Apogee Earrings 

Belt: Lane Bryant Silvertone Shingle Belt | Headband: Ann Taylor Loft 

I ordered this dress from Anthropologie months ago, but was on the fence- I loved it, but wasn't sure I loved it on me.  The high neck made my chest look huge which is never my preferred look, and so I debated sending it back.

I had a brainwave on Thanksgiving though and wore the dress backwards after removing the button that secured the top of the keyhole neckline.  I tucked the edges under a bit and found myself in possession of a lovely and much more flattering v-neck dress.  I would prefer a shorter cardigan with this dress, but don't have one in the right color yet.

The belt was a clearance purchase at Lane Bryant this summer and is surprisingly comfortable for a metal plate belt (thanks to the elastic I am sure).  The booties make me feel a little elfin I admit, but they are just so comfortable...