Outfit of The Day: Red Belt- Transitioning from Intention to Action

Hello Readers,

In the process of moving, unpacking, and then moving and unpacking again, I thought that I lost my camera's USB cable, but today I was reunited with the cable and finally I could upload one of my outfits from last week.  The picture is a bit dark, and the mess in the background is rather telling of the mess that was in my apartment.

Last week, I wore a dress every day that I was in the classroom, and Wednesday's outfit is the one I am most proud of- because I tried something different. I wore a RED belt. What?

Yes, I wore a red. Not only red- a red belt. This red suede belt was a gift from my mom, and I believe she wore it in the early 90s or late 80s? It's an item in my wardrobe that I intend to wear more than I actually do- but last Wednesday I turned intention into action and combined it with my Mompos Dress, a black cardigan from Zara, black opaque tights, and black leather heels from Banana Republic (not pictured above).

I think I may try to work this belt into my outfits more often in the future. . .

Retail Details:
Black Flowery Headband: J. Crew
Black Leather Bracelet: AG Jeans (a gift from the manager of the St. Louis store after my store review)
Blue and White Mompos Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie
Black Cardigan: Zara
Black Opaque Tights: Hue
Red Suede Belt: My Mom's Closet

What to Wear?: Help me Choose!

Hello Readers! Happy First Day of Fall!

I need your help! Tomorrow, I am attending the wedding of my dear friend (and former roommate and track teammate), Kerry. During recent moves over the past two months I've realized that I have WAY too many dresses, and decided not to buy a new dress for this occasion.

So. . . my dilemma is more of a surplus of options rather than a shortage. Will you help me pick a dress? The wedding begins at 2:00, so it's a late afternoon into evening affair. I want to be dressy but not too dressy. Do you know what I mean?

Here are the contenders, let me know what you think!:

The Mompos Dress- a bit summery. . . but such a blast to wear!

I love wearing this dress, but I fear that it is too casual and summery. But, maybe I could dress it up with tights, heels, and a different belt?

The Whirligig Dress in Dark Pink/Fuschia

The Whirligig Dress in Dark Orange

Oh the Whirligig Dress. . . this dress is so versatile and oh-so-comfortable! I think of it more as a teaching dress, but I think I could add some pizazz with the right accessories. But which color? The pink is so easy to wear with my coloring, but the orange looks so rich! Oh decisions!

My dark green silk straplesss dress from Banana Republic

I've had this dress in my wardrobe for quite some time (since 2008, I believe), but I can count the times I've worn this dress on one hand with digits to spare. This may sound silly, but I feel like Heidi Klum every time I wear this dress. Is this dress in or out?

Leave me a comment here or on facebook and let me know what to choose! Also, I will gladly welcome any styling suggestions!

Mompos Monday: Here's to You

Good Evening Readers!

When I woke up this morning, one of the first thoughts that ran through my mind (after "what time is it?") was that I wanted to wear a dress today. This thought coursed through the sort of determination that was more than simply wanting to wear a dress- I decided that I MUST wear a dress. As a declaration of the beautiful weather, in celebration of the delightful days spent with family, and in anticipation of the upcoming season and my new job. As I prepared myself for the day I thought "yes, self, I really must wear a dress."

Which dress did I choose? With the fresh breeze and lower temperatures (than previous days this summer), I decided that my Mompos Dress would be perfect. I didn't even try on any other dress or outfit. That was it. Perfect for the day ahead of me and perfect for the weather.

Retail Details:
Light Grey Headband: J. Crew
Shades: Coach (Rx)
Blue and White Mompos Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie (here)
Silver Locket: American Eagle Outfitters (modified by moi)
Off White and Tan Pumps: Seychelles

Later today I made my way out to my grandparents' house for a send off dinner in honor of my aunt, uncle, and cousins before their flight back home (after a very eventful and fun-filled visit, I must say!) I wish that their time in Central Illinois was longer, but I am thankful for the time that I and all of my family were able to spend with them.

We celebrated our time together with Beef Wellington (prepared by my Uncle Mike), Grilled Cheese (prepared by Grandma for me and others who don't eat Beef Wellington), Cheesy Potatoes, Ginger Sesame Salad, Watermelon, and Oreo Dirt Dessert (courtesy of Aunt Shelly), as well as a few other goodies here and there. The send off dinner was an occasion of no great formality, but the dress felt right for the time and the moment that, in many ways, represents the end of summer and the beginning of the annual ascent into Autumn.

My camera's battery died so my cousin Katie took this picture from my mobile! Thanks Katie!!!

Before I close tonight's post, I want to share a song with you all about lasting friendships from an artist I began listening to earlier this year. My family and extended family are a blessing to me in so many ways and this summer, especially the past two weeks, have brought a newfound awareness of the blessing of friendship that I find with my family.

So, without further adieu, I am dedicating this song (by the very talented Brooke Fraser) to my family, extended family, and friends I count as dear and near as family! Enjoy!

Anthro Try-On Reviews

Hey Readers!

For this set of reviews, it seems that I tried on a few things that did not have names I could find.  I hesitated writing a review for these items but decided to go ahead in case any of you saw these items in your store or maybe your Anthropologie wish list. Here it goes!

Yellow Nameless Dress (6)

I saw this dress online first and was intrigued.  In person, the dress is a dusty mustard color and it was a bit heavier than I thought it would be. It seemed to be well-constructed but I found a few problems with the dress.  The first problem, for me, was that the torso was very short and fit like an awkward empire-esque waisted style.  If you are tall, like me, this dress may not work for you.  The other major problem was that the bust, which was molded and looked a bit like a superhero top, was very small.  I NEVER had this problem until I tried on this dress.  Very uncomfortable. The dress seemed to run true to size, but  if you are average or well-endowed, go up at least one size.

Gull Wing Dress- Girls from Savoy (size 4)

This dress reminded me of a boardwalk, or maybe something you could wear while walking on a boardwalk.  Anyway, this dress was super comfortable and it seemed like the fabric was breezy enough to be a summer dress contender. The dress ran true to size for me, but if you are bust-ier, it might be a good idea to go up a size.  The bottom button on the top of the dress was missing on the dress I tried on, as well as at least two other dresses on the rack. A sympton that can indicate an overall problem of a dress' construction.  I thought the dress was cute, but not quite my style.

Mystery Yellow Skirt- Size 6

This skirt fit a bit snugger than I thought it would be, but overall I found the fit quite flattering.  The mustardy color was absolutely charming and as I tried on the skirt I imagined all of the fun outfit color combinations that would work well with this skirt.  I didn't purchase the skirt, but I wish that I could!  I don't remember seeing this skirt online and when I searched for it I couldn't find a name.  My advice: if you find it in your size, try it on, and like it, buy it!

Mompos Dress- Plenty! by Tracy Reese (size 6)

This dress was featured a few posts ago (here), but I neglected to write a review then, which is why I am doing it now.  In the store, I was tempted to try on a size 4, but upon comparing the 4 with the 6 on the rack, I went with the 6 and it was perfect. This dress resounds retro in a very She & Him sort of way. Catchy and clever.  I love this dress, but the price tag prevented me from purchasing it at full price.  Thankfully, I found a listing on the EA (Effortless Anthropologie) Trade Market, and I was able to purchase the dress at a more reasonable price.

I hope these reviews are helpful! Let me know if you have any questions!