New (Stripe) Perspective

Stripes are everywhere! Who knew that the shopping world would be overflowing with an influx of the simplest patterns known to humans, stripes and polka dots... While I find myself frustrated with the lack of other options, when shopping, I still find myself drawn to them. That is true even despite the fact that as a curvier person I was always warned of all they ways they would negatively enhance my appearance. When I saw this dress on the sale rack in one of my favorite thrift stores I gravitated towards it immediately. It must have been the original pattern, black and tan stripes, revolutionary! Then things got cray cray. 

I was a initially deterred by the "small" size but, decided it couldn't hurt to try it on. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my body dysmorphia concern about the size was mostly unwarranted, the dress fit. Beyond that, it looked lovely and extremely professional after I paired it with a blazer. Other people said so too! However, wearing this dress to work (even with super SPANX) was a different story. Everything was out there! Not in an inappropriate way just in a "closer to my body than I am used to" way with the added bonus of stripes to highlight all the things or not...

• Top: black and tan striped dress, Spense via Ashby; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I had said before that I wanted to highlight when I had previously worn something so I'm going to try this: I most recently wore this blazer here. We'll see how that evolves if at all... 

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are seen and remixed here and here.