Wrap dress, Merona (shortened). Sweater, Body Central. Boots, Nine West. Knee socks, Forever 21. Necklace, Xhilaration. Bag (pictured below), Tommy Hilfiger.The last time I wore this dress, a commenter observed that the proportions seemed off. I had to admit, the length hit my leg in an unflattering place. I added the dress to my sewing pile, intending to shorten it, and it sat there until October.
In June, before the shortening. You can see all the ways I wore this dress, pre-hemming, here.
I have to thank my friend Karen (again!) for teaching me the blind hem stitch. A few episodes of American Hero later, I had a shorter dress. (My sewing pace isn’t fast to begin with, and is further slowed by interfering cats.) I LOVE the new length (or lack thereof).
I don’t know what possessed me to try knee socks and boots with a work outfit, but the result isn’t too bad. The navy socks folded over the dark brown boots are fairly subtle. It might be hard to see in the photo, but the cuffs are accented with little bows. How sweet!P.S. If you wanted to see the plaid Bitten dress without the cardigan, I’ve updated yesterday’s post with a picture.
i really LOVE this outfit!
ReplyDeleteseriously, when are you coming to DC to help me shop?? ;)
No - she must come to SC to help ME shop first! After she teaches me how to put together the clothes I already have...hey, have you ever thought about a career in personal shopping? I'm not even kidding.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a new dress.
ReplyDeleteThe longer length said "elegant".
The new length shouts "funky".
I think I'd have a hard time getting over my own tastes in order to shop for others!
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a secret: I'll be moving to DC in a few months. Shhhhh! (Sorry psuedokim!)
I love it shorter...why DC??...why not move to NY? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm super impressed that hem your clothes. I learned to sew when I was younger, but I don't make use of that talent now. It'd probably save me money on hemming pants.
ReplyDeleteHa!~ I wear knee socks and boots to work ALL THE TIME. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo obviously I think it looks great.
Love this outfit. The mustard sweater is just the right fit for this dress. Also, the shorter dress length makes the dress feel younger and more stylish.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you moving to DC, if you don't mind me asking? Job change or transfer? Or some other reason?
I've noticed you have clothes from Body Central and I am wondering about the quality. I get their catalogs sometimes and they have some really cute stuff and great prices, but I'm hesitant because I've never seen it in person.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love your blog and your outfit.
HI! I love your blog and since I do I put you on Facebook as a blog I love to frequent! Thanks for what you do and keep up the inspiring work!
ReplyDelete~Chanelle
http://elsabeauty.blogspot.com/
milly and jody - my husband got a job there. He loves the area and wanted to return. (He attended the USNA.)
ReplyDeleteemily - I've nevery shopped Body Central's catalog, only the store. I'll admit the store is super skanky, but I've found some things I've really liked. Everything I've gotten there has held up well. In fact, my Missoni-esque wrap dress is from there and it is one of my FAVORITE pieces! I wash pretty much everything I've gotten there in cold water and in a mesh bag and hang or lay flat to dry. That probably helps the pieces to stay fresh looking.
This length looks so much better! I never thought it looked bad before but this does so much more--the length really works well with boots in particular I think and I like the mustard top!
ReplyDeleteI love the color combo.
ReplyDeleteThat is a much more flattering length! You've just inspired me to check the hem lengths of my own skirts!
ReplyDeleteI love the boots-and-socks combo, I might pinch this myself as I have a pair of boots that are a little short to look really good. If I can find some knee socks in a similar colour it might make them more wearable!
Greetings from Australia by the way!
Brilliant job on the shortening! It looks fabulous. Love the colors together too. Very cute look today.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wear boots and knee socks together all winter. You actually see it quite often over here in Europe. I think it is a darling look.
How fun that you'll be moving to DC. It's where I grew up and I miss it now that we're overseas. But there are some great second-hand (previously loved) clothing stores and delicious restaurants. Secondi in Dupont Circle is nice and Mustard Seed in Bethesda is decent. I've not been to either in a couple of years though.
ReplyDeleteoh kasmira, will you be my new best friend when you move to DC?
ReplyDeletehehe :)
I like this outfit and the color combo. For me, though, the sweater takes away from the sophistication of the dress. I love this dress!
ReplyDelete