Note to My Twenty-Something Self

Warning:  this is a lukewarm attempt to be semi-thoughtful.  I apologize from this blip on our otherwise frivolous radar.  It couldn't be avoided, but I promise to return with your usual dose of champagne bubbles tomorrow.

Last Saturday was one of those rare, obligation-free days for me.  No work or volunteering scheduled, no social obligations, only two pets to keep alive, and the Anonymous Husband was out of town.  I had 24 hours in which I could selfishly do as I pleased.  Bliss.

Once upon a time, this unscheduled stint may have secretly frightened me.  Yes, really. As much as I make of Secret Single Behavior around these parts, as much as I enjoy my solitary pursuits like reading & writing, my quarter-life-crisis self may have inwardly cringed at such a day.  "What is wrong with me that I don't have social commitments lined up?" I'd think to myself.  "Shouldn't you at least be working on something?" my inner Type A Minus she's in there somewhere, although I've done my best to bludgeon her to death with Pinot would question.

If only I could send a note to my twenty-something self, I'd say this - sometimes it takes being on your own, sans schedule or socializing, to be able to live the rest of the obligation-filled days.  Given my otherwise frenzied twenty-something orbit of school-job-boyfriend-going out-volunteer-workout, I wish that I could go back and pause to more fully enjoy those infrequents solitary times.  To not fill so much of it wondering What I'm Going to Be When I Grow Up and When I'm Going to Meet the Right Guy.

Perhaps it takes the prospect of losing the ability to be entirely selfish - ie, the Project Family negotiations going on at Pretty HQ - as well as finding some answers to my quarter-life-crisis questions to really appreciate these "off" days?

There's also an element of getting older and, as New Agey as it sounds, just getting comfortable with what I like.  If I want to sit at home endlessly watching "Arrested Development" on Hulu, in between rounds of wandering around my favorite bookstore or shopping the excellent BCBG sale, - I can do so, and I'm not worried about a boyfriend or friend judging me for any of it.  The friends that have made it this far?  They'll do - more than do - and have already accepted my strange bits.  The ones (the friends, I hasten to add, not boyfriends) to come in the future?  Will hopefully like some of the same things too, and if not, there's more where they came from.

In the end, the jobs and boyfriends and friends sort themselves out, but these types of unscheduled days?  Don't last forever, apparently, if in fact you have had the luxury of getting such days at all.  For this last Saturday & any such Saturdays to come, I will be grateful.

***

Credit to blogger Wearing Mascara for inspiring in part the "note to my younger self" idea.  Thanks!

Important, Special Note to Peep-Toe Booties

Pretty Headquarters

10 Malevolence Manor

Principality of Monaco, via Austin, Texas

June 29, 2009

Dangerous Shoe Directions, Inc.

c/o Yves St. Laurent

789 Rue du Non du Like Where This is Going

Paris, France 

Dear Madame or Monsieur:

At its best, fashion evokes poetry.  For example, these metallic "Very Galaxy" Louboutins recently inspired me to wax verbose about how I'd like to put them on a pedestal and admire them from on retail high.

From this literary, artistic angle, I can see where  you're headed with le latest shoe trend, the peep-toe bootie.  The YSL bootie, the one that started it all, has a certain architectural, modernist appeal to it.  I admire it in the abstract, although I myself am far too boring lawyer-y to attempt such a footwear feat:

(Credit:  Neiman Marcus)

However, mon frere, I'm concerned with the way this trend is headed.  In fact, I'm giving you my most furrowed brow, Fantasy GBFF Tim Gunn Look of Concern about the aggressively fug, non-inspiring successors to your peep-toe throne.  Because as I sit here, in the 104 degree Texas heat, contemplating shoes like the following, I think only this . . . 

[(Dis)Credit:  Juicy Couture at Saks]

. . . "I Know Why the Caged Foot Sweats".  Unlike the literary giant of similar name, there is nothing beautiful, in the abstract or otherwise, about gratuitous buckles and heavy, tire tread soles on my sweltering summertime boot, oui?

To conclude, monsieurs et madames, this shoe has a bit of a reverse mullet-complex to start with - the businesslike heel in the back, the liberating peep-toe party in the front - so I will caution you as I have a certain omnipresent, reverse-mulleting mother du reality television:  tread carefully.  Preferably without actual tire tread the next time, that is

All business, all le time,

Legallyblondemel

PS - Thanks to the BF-J (International Woman of Mystery), friend S, and the inimitable blogger Mrs. News Readin' for inspiring this post.

PPS - To the ex-boyfriend who criticized me for not speaking French - take this, non?

Featured Blogger Friday: "Belle on Heels"

***Important Note of Supremely Special Importance:  Due to my Blogspot forwarding issues last week, I'm afraid that many of you may have missed the feature of one of my favorite style bloggers, Bon Bon Rose.  If so, please stop by here; thanks!***

Please welcome this week's featured blogger, the lovely and new Belle on Heels.  Belle is a twenty-something Virginia native attempting to figure out life and What She's Meant to Be, all the while writing about some of the prettier things in life with my sort of preppish sensibility - Good Paper, fashion, home decor, and cooking.  In other words, me five years ago, less the blog and the cooking.

Let's give a round of virtual applause and learn a bit more about Belle:

Why She Got into Blogging: I needed something to kill time at work.  Tee hee.

I was introduced to Sippycups are for Chardonnay (Pretty Note:  the inimitable Miss Sippycups is the inspiration behind this Friday Feature itself) through a volunteer I manage.  She knew I grew up in the same city where SC lives and thought I might find it interesting.  She was right; I adore SC's blog and for a long time it was the only one that I read.  I really thought that blogs were only for freaks with avatars and fake online girlfriends.  (Pretty Note:  *raising hand*)

But then I started checking Sippycups' blogroll and gradually found myself more and more addicted to interested in the bloggy world.  One day I was home sick and just figured I'd give it a shot; I figured I would blog for a month, find out I was not as interesting as I though I was, and be done with it - but it's been almost 6 months!

What Her Blogging Inspirations Are:  I could find inspiration in a sidewalk.  Seriously.  It doesn't take much for me...I am a walking example of the "it's the little things in life" cliche.  I have always always always been fascinated by fashion.  My mom used to find me hiding in the accessories department of Bloomies when she would take me shopping as a little girl.  

Moving into my first apartment last year sparked a manic-obsessive love of all things interior design.  I could look at Tobi Fairley's and Erin's blogs all day.  The Ina Garten lifestyle...I would love to get to a point where I can be fat and happy and holed up in my faboosh Hamptons home with a Jeffrey of my own and an entourage of gay best friends to entertain. 

As far as other blogs go, there are so many!  Sippycups, obvs, was my first.  Summer is a Verb and Prep School 101 seem to have looked inside my head and blogged about what I want my future to look like.  I wish I had an ounce of Mrs. Newlywed's wit. Orangette is a veritable treasure trove, introduced to me by the sweetest new mommy, Icing on the Cake.  The list goes on and on, but those are the ones that I really follow closely.  And yours...obvs (Pretty Note:  I didn't add that last bit myself.  No, really.  Really!)

Outside of Blogging, Some of Her Favorite Hobbies: The puppy boy, definitely.  He's my only child, so I dote on him and his sweet little wrinkly face. 

(Pretty Note:  Darling puppy AND darling shoes - so much to like!)

Cooking/entertaining. Expanding my shoe collection.  Anything outdoorsy...love to hike and camp and fly-fish.  Travelling.  Learning about anything and everything...I would like to be a walking Wiki.  Decorating (and redecorating) my house.  Gardening, although this is a new one.  I planted tomatoes this year and just got my first two on the plant.  Success.

What Her Future Goals Are, Both Personally & For Her Blog:  Personally, I have no idea!  This is likely be my last year in the job I currently have, and I would really love to break into event planning for my career. Not really sure how to do that (any one want to help me?) and I have no earthly clue where I want to move next (Atlanta? London? Jackson Hole?  I change my mind everyday).  I would eventually like to find a fella who is up to the task of being Mr. Belle and having a litter of well-dressed minions children running around.

(Photo from Belle's first Jackson Hole trip)

For my blog, I honestly haven't really thought about it.  I just started my blog as kind of an outlet for all my rando musings, so I don't have any aspirations of making money from it or gaining a cult following.  Obvs adore my readers and would certainly love to have more, but mainly I just want to keep finding fun and interesting things to share with whoever is out there.

What She Would Like Readers to Know Before Clicking Over to Her Site:  I call it (write it?) like I see it, so with me, what you read is what you get.  My posts are rando and all over the place, but that's pretty much how I am.  Such a fire sign...I can't stay focused on one thing for too long.  Please hop on over to my blog and come along for the wacky ride!

Darlings, please stop by here & say hello to Belle on Heels!

***Note:  "Featured Blogger Friday" will be on hiatus next week due to the 4th of July holiday;  however, if you would like to play along & be a featured blogger, please read my fascinating guidelines here and leave me a comment, including your email address.

Prettier Than Everyone Else: The Bandage Dress

For someone who occasionally* writes about style, I confess to avoiding coverage of those trends skinny jeans skinny jeans skinny jeans which don't flatter (pear-shaped) me personally.  As in, those fashions that cause me to inwardly scream, "MY HIPS!  MY HIPS!  JUST THINK OF MY CHILD-BEARING (SOMEDAY) HIPS IN THOSE!!! MAGELLAN HIPS, BECAUSE THEY COULD CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE WITH THEIR HUGENESS IN THOSE! GAH!"

*Or constantly; forgive me, non-shoppers, but it has been Avarice-R-Us here lately due to real life getting odious for a few loved ones.  When my inner writing muse gets stressed, she wants to go shopping.  

Ahem.  Given my figure bias, as well as my questioning of this 80s revival that is still going strong in 2009, I had overlooked the return of the curve-hugging Herve Leger "bandage dress" for a time. I did initially because I saw the phrase "bandage dress" and thought, "I've somehow stumbled upon a fetish-y Band-Aid site".  On second glance, however, it's because this look leaves no room for error:

(Credit:  Net-a-Porter)

For you hourglass-figured types, be you on the Kate Bosworth or the Kate Winslet end of curvy, this likely looks amazing on you;  as for me, my hips and I will be cowering in the corner, thinking of the many pairs o' Spanx we'd need to fit into this - or so I thought, until I happened upon a few more figure and budget friendly finds:

(Credit:  Macy's)

"London Times Sleeveless Shutter-Pleat Dress" ($109.00):  This skirt flares out a bit in a more forgiving manner, and the ruched bustline adds curves up top.  For those of us like me, even though I'm the spitting image of HRH Grace who need it, that is.

(Credit:  Macy's)

"Jones New York Cap-Sleeved Tiered Laser-Cut Dress" ($170.00):  In addition to having too many adjectives, this one comes with a nice cap sleeve for those who prefer a sleeve & bra strap coverage.

(Credit:  BCBG)

"Tiered Halter Dress" (on sale at $138):  This is close to the "no margin for error" original, but at a friendlier price and more forgiving skirt.  If your shoulders are in shape, this is a beautiful halter top to show them off in.

As far as accessorizing this dress style - or making it modest enough for the more conservative, boring laywer types (me!) amongst us - I like the way the following two famous types interpreted this look:

(Credit:  FabSugar)

This may be the one & only time we besmirch the Pretty with one of those Vicky's Secret model types, but bear with me.  She gets the accessories just right here: (1) the 80s blazer is both of the moment & covers up enough for my prudish tastes; (2) the satchel bag gives it textural & colorful interest; (3) the simple hair and makeup keep it modest; (4) patent nude heels - leg-elongating and fab; and (5) the arm-charm, "Better than a Birkin" Bloom boyfriend.

(Credit:  CW)

Yes, I'm going there - our Lady of the Fictional Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf, expertly sets off her version of the bandage with a neutral, conservative cardigan.  Note the sequin detail on the arm & neckline that keeps this young & interesting.

Will you be giving this ongoing trend a go?  Or do you think it's best left to the imaginary prep school brats?

Edited to Add:  I keep finding more demure takes on this trend, like here and here.  If you aren't afraid of the sleeveless or form-fitting, there are multiple ways to adapt this look.

Hitting on New Friends, Ed. #4,971,852

(No, not "hitting on" in that sense, but in the "I'm new in town and attempting to trick people into liking me" one. This isn't the "I Pick Polygamy" blog.)

Yesterday morning, I stood in front of my closet for no small amount of time, mulling over that age-old question - "Which outfit will convince this new group of women that I'm the most brilliant person they've ever had the chance to befriend, all in one happy hour?"  Because surely it is the clothes and not the personality that matters, no?

As I finally selected that outfit that would surely prove the key to my social success - if you must know, crisply white A-Pocket Sevens, wedge espadrilles, and a vintage-y, kelly-green Banana top -and moved on to the hair/makeup portion of the Prettier Than Everyone Else program, I questioned for a moment when the last time was that I devoted so much effort to being just this vain concerned about my appearance . . . 

. . .  it was back when I first started dating the Anonymous Husband.   As in, not anymore, but during those heady early days.  Oh.

This isn't to say I've moved into the sweatpants-around-the-house cliche*, although my typical Target loungey attire is teetering on that unfashionable edge.  However, it struck me that I was putting this much effort into impressing a group of women I'd never met before, but I had unconsciously wandered close to XL tee shirts and baggy sweats territory with the person I'm presumably most interested in impressing.

*And I only say this because I don't have children yet; for those that do, the fact that you find time to select actual clothes (assuming you do), any clothes, while herding kids is a commendable achievement.

Don't get me wrong - as my male friends are all to eager to inform me, a certain amount of this dressing up business is & has always been for other women's sake, and I don't debate that.  For example, the AH would never appreciate my ongoing quest to find the perfect handbag (which this week is this); be it Payless or Prada, it's all the same to him so long as he can sneak his sunglasses and sports tickets in there.  Who else to admire the fruits of my laborious shopping efforts but other women?

I won't be hanging up the loungey pants anytime soon - they surely rank amongst the top 5 reasons to get married in the first place - but I will try to keep this clothes thing in perspective.  If I can muster up the hair-drying, closet-staring energy for strangers, I can also do so for date night; on the flip side, my failure to wear the "right" pair of jeans to either isn't going to sink my social ship, given that we're past the Junior High years**.  If only I could get the AH to appreciate my purses . . .

**Remember those Guess jeans with the triangle label on the back?  Just try to tell me those weren't mandatory; you can't.

Let's Get Judgmental: The Headband Trend

(In my head, this post title is to be read to the tune of that 80s Olivia Newton-John classic, "Let's get JUDG-men-tal, JUDG-men-tal . . ."  If that tremendous ditty is now stuck in your head, uh,  you're welcome!)

At my senior age of thirty-one, I'm generally more likely to attempt a youthful appearance via Botox my bubbly personality than by bows.  However, while I rifled through the Target accessories department on my usual (daily) trek for low-priced trendy items, I happened upon an item I hadn't much considered since my penny loafer days past*:  the headband. 

*Yes, I had such a past, and yes, a friend has put on a Fashion Fatwah on me if I get within 50 feet of a pair again.

The more preptastic amongst you may be shaking your heads in dismay at this, but even at my mistress du Alex P. Keaton peak, the traditional headband look was simply never my thing.  And yet, this modern version, as ushered by Blair Waldorf and her faux UES crew, has caught my attention.

I'm starting to second-guess myself - a rare occurrence here at the Pretty, as longtime readers know - and find myself in need of a vote.  What do we think, darlings - can this incarnation of the headband** be adult-appropriate, or am I teetering perilously close to romper territory?

(Credit all photos:  Target)

**And not this twee over-the-forehead one, which, mostly to its association with She Who Shall Not Be Named, I won't acknowledge here.

"Feather Headband" ($7.99):  Too much flair for me, but I think this look could be darling on the right woman.  Problem is, as "Project Runway" fans will recall, a similar look was sported by favorite-contestant-turned-whiny hussy Kenley who mocked Fantasy GBFF Tim Gunn.  I'm sure you can understand why I'm struggling here.

I'm also sure the crafty types amongst you could fashion something like this yourselves.  For those like me, where the presence of a glue gun is likely indicative of criminal, not crafty, activity, I'll always feature the store-bought version.

Flower Double Headband ($7.99):  Like the oragami style of this flower & the color, but is it too bow- (as opposed to Bo-) like?

Double Headband ($7.99):  Now this, this I might be able to work.  The double-strap is a new take on things, and this is simple & clean enough to please this Southern California girl.

Jurors, it's time for your verdict - am I guilty of watching too much CW?  Or is this trend worthy of consideration by this thirty-one year old?

******BORING HOUSEKEEPING ANNOUNCEMENT******

It appears that the recent Blogspot forwarding issues have been resolved, but this might be a good time anyways for you clever readers to update my address in your Readers to www.ipickpretty.com.  After all, you wouldn't want to endure any more days of not reading my brilliance, would you? Right? 

Giveaway Winner - "Mommywood"

The grand high supreme champion winner of my "Mommywood" giveaway, selected via Random Number Generator Thingy, is . . . Something Blue! Miss Blue, please email me or leave a comment by this Friday, June 26th to claim your intellectually thrilling prize.

(Credit:  Barnes and Noble)  (Relatedly, if you would be so kind as to buy me this fetching green frock, I'd really appreciate it.  Smooches!)

Back in two shakes of .  . . whatever it is that one shakes twice while trying to remember a cliche . .  . with a vitally important fashion poll .  .  .

In Honor of Father's Day - And The Suckitude of The Internet Elves

Dealing with the Blogspot/ Blogger custom URL forwarding issues is reminding me of the final season of your typical tv show - both are needlessly complex, dragging on well beyond a good ending point, and causing me to lose faith in the human race.*

*OK, this might be a slight exaggeration - unless you also watched "Saved by the Bell:  The College Years", in which case  the whole losing faith / humanity definitely applies.

In the spirit of sticking it to the internet elves & in honor of Father's Day - no, I'm not sure how those two are related, but I have an English minor & am therefore inclined to invent something - I'm recycling a post in honor of my true father, my late grandfather, which you can find here. 

There's a lot of fashion talk here at the Pretty, but Grandpa was a more a man of style.  Once he retired his Navy dress whites, he stuck to conservative staples - a sun-drenched, Southern California version of the prep look.  Style was merely a outgrowth of the life he lived, and not something to be followed (forgive me, G!); semi-annual trips to the local shop, always the same one, were more than sufficient for him.  When I see the fashionable return of his wardrobe staples, like the hipsters sporting straw fedoras or Southern boys in seersucker, I smile and remember.

(Credit:  ValSurf)

Grandpa, you weren't one for obvious sentiment, so I'll leave it at this - not a day goes by when I don't miss you. Now if only I could say the same for Blogger . . . 

Featured Blogger Friday: "BonBon Rose"

Darlings, I'm ecstatic to bring you one of my favorite new fashion blogs, BonBon Rose!

My discovering Kristin & Megan, the gorgeous bloggeristas pictured above, was one of those happy moments us bloggers all hope for; I noticed a few comments from Kristin, clicked over to check out her & Megan's sparkly new blog, and fell in www-love with their witty and spot-on attention to style detail.  After all, what other site will tell you which trendy fabric pattern best camouflages baby doo-doo? 

Humor aside, I appreciate Kristin & Megan's focus on affordable style; for example, me likey features like this, in which they translate a celebrity's haute style into an affordable equivalent.  Their style analyses ranges from clothes to housewares to my personal favorite, paper, offering a fresh look at each with their daily posts.   

Please give a Pretty welcome to BonBon Rose:

How They Got Into Blogging:

Kristin - Megan got me into it. I think she sensed my new mommy desperation about staying home with the baby alone all day with no creative outlet. Partnering in blogging was a natural fit for our friendship. (Pretty Note: I've been trying to coerce one of my BFFs, the multi-talented International Woman of Mystery, to post here;  take this as an order a sign, J!)

 

Megan - I've always loved writing and over the years have loved reading several blogs.  Kristin and I are always looking for ways to work together on creative projects so when it worked out that I had a break from working to finish graduate school it seemed like the perfect opportunity!

What are your blogging inspirations? 

Kristin - I'm inspired by beauty in anything from fellow fashionista bloggers, to the cool style of celebs like SJP, Nicole Richie and Heidi Klum, the colors in a Florida sunset or my little man's baby blues. It all keeps me going.

Megan - I'm such a dabbler and find so much inspiring!  Mainly my friends inspire me from a coffee date to hash out a problem or for margarit's and boy talk. They always inspire me with great ideas and laughter.  Also, reading magazines, magazines and more magazines.  It's an addiction Kristin and I share!  

(Pretty Note:  This inspiring photo was actually taken by Megan's professional photographer husband, whose work you can check out here; clearly, creativity is a family affair. Just like my family, except the opposite.)

Outside of blogging, what are some of your favorite hobbies?

Kristin - Is reading fashion mags a hobby? (Pretty Note:  Yes.) I get a ridiculous amount of subscriptions. Although, I have to say that I've saved a bundle by subscribing to them compared to the impulse buys I used to make in the check out lane. I also love to bake, just wish I could say the same about cooking dinner, and have found a renewed love for writing. Writing was something that drove me at a young age and which I foolishly abandoned.

Megan - Some of my favorites are cooking and entertaining, reading and most recently I've picked up golf again, although I'm a bit rusty.  I'm also a big fan of going to the movies on a hot summer day!  

What are your future goals, both for you personally & for your blog? 

Kristin - I would love for us to be the next Dooce. What? Is that unrealistic? Ah ha. My aspiration is to someday be able to contribute to my family financially by doing something I'm passionate about. Dare to dream.

Megan - I'd like to see our blog continue to grow.  Since I write a lot about decorating and am moving from a small condo to a real house I'd like to do more projects and before and afters for our readers.  On a personal note, I'd like to do more writing on the side such as children's books and short stories.  And last but certainly not least, I've always dreamed of making the perfect chocolate souffle.  So far I haven't had much luck!

Before a reader would click over to your blog, what would you like her or him to know about your site? 

Kristin & Megan - As you've probably figured out, there are two of us. Megan operates out of Washington, DC and Kristin out of Tampa, FL. We've been best friends for years and touch on everything from fashion, to home decor, to food and travel. We would like to think we have a little something for everyone and absolutely love sharing our lives and passions with our readers!

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Please stop by BonBon Rose and say a Pretty hello to Kristin and Megan.

Note:  If you are interested in the outrageously prestigious honor of being a Feature Friday blogger, please peruse my guidelines here & leave me a comment, including your email address.

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Super Special Note of Supremely Important Specialness:  Don't forget to enter my intellectually stimulating book giveaway before 6 pm CST today!

Guest Post - "Austin on $30 a Day"

Exciting news, kittens!  As a change from my usual telling you what  to wear & how to act, I'm telling you where to travel in my guest post here at the splendiferous blog Paisley Petunia!  Please swing by her site & chime in with your own travel thoughts and questions!  Exclamation point!!!

*******

In less fortunate news, last night I had one of those bloggerista moments we all dread; I both ran out of pinot AND clicked "PUBLISH" instead of "SAVE NOW".  As a result, many of you this morning may have spied a rambling fashion draft post not yet fab enough for your delicate eyes.  My apologies - and promises only to blog at you when I've been sufficiently wine fortified.

On that note, I'm speeding away in the Trophy Wife Wagon to happy hour(s) . . . be sure to come back tomorrow for my devastatingly interesting Featured Friday blogger!

Prettier Than Everyone Else: Summer Shift Ed.

Enough with the giveaway swag, let's get back to the original point of the Pretty - being better looking than everyone else.  That is, everyone other than me.  This being my blog and all, I'm sure you understand.

Now that we've cleared that up - no item of clothing speaks summer to me more than the shift.  In a lightweight cotton or linen, detailed with just the right amount of embroidery, accessorized only with (1) flip flops or very basic sandals; (2) beachy, wavy hair (pssst - which I achieve with this drugstore product); and (3)  sunglasses the size of Neptune*, a well-made shift mentally whisks me away to faraway beaches while keeping me cool in this deathHelljawsofHecubus Texas heat.

*I will allow you (4) a few pieces of chunky gold or silver jewelry, with the following caveat:  the closer you get to the sea, the less jewelry you should be wearing.  The beach is for natural, not bejeweled, beauty.

In increasing order of "stimulating the economy" potential, here is the best of what's around:

Old Navy "Embroidered Voile Dress", $15-22.50 (depending on color).  

Note the detail around the neckline & the perfect not too long, not scandalous hemline. ON online also has a Pretty selection of swimsuit cover-ups here and a good plus-size collection.

Banana Republic "Cotton Embroidered Shift Dress",  $98.  

Difficult to see with the white, but this is beautifully detailed in person - and it's mine, but only after I verified I wasn't risking another see-through Lilly situation.  Perfect with some bright sandals & (faux) tan.

Anthropologie "Azulejo Shift", $128.  

This is doing absolutely nothing to assuage my desire to run away to Spain and loll around in the sunshine and a vat of Rioja.  Please, someone who looks good in off-white, buy this shift for me.  And take me to Spain.  Not necessarily in that order.

Finally, I'm loving these next two, which are more a kaftan-y look than a shift per se (all photo credit Saks):

Nanette Leopore "Coaxing Dress", $395.  

Class, please raise your hand if you thought "Golden Girls" when you saw the word "kaftan".  As this & particularly the dress below show, merely because we're talking sleeves & an A-line fit, a muu-muu and retirement in South Florida it does not make (although if Bea Arthur is somehow involved, God rest her soul, I'm in).

Nanette Lepore "Holding Court Kaftan" $275.

OK, OK - as the fab Project Rungay boys might say, I can feel you giving me those concerned Tim Gunn, "That's a lot of look" eyes right now in relation to this second one.  Work with me here - I might lose the sleeves to make this less busy, but otherwise, I adore the vibrant color & embroidery.