inspiration monday: (yet another) printed maxi

     I think I mentioned a while back that I temporarily broke my shopping ban to pick up a third patterned maxi dress. I decided to showcase the offender for Two Birds' Inspiration Monday:

This is my "it's-blazing-hot-and-I-
need-a-popsicle" face

Trina Turk maxi dress, Nordstrom Rack ($30)

Love Change tank, Macy's juniors department 

The inspiration: Michelle Trachtenberg

     There were a number of things that drew me to this dress: the splashy black, white and pink print, the airy silk-cotton blend, and the fact that I can wear this when occasions call for aloha wear. Oh, and let's not forget the price, which is a 91% markdown (according to the tag).

Can't decide whether the tank looks better like this ...

          

To make this dress really worth my $$, however, I needed to find a way to make it work-appropriate -- it's pretty skimpy up top, with string ties at the shoulders. Adding a plain black tank kept the look summery while offering some coverage.

Try-it-out Tuesday: daydream 0, reality 1

   Wandering through fields of gently waving grass and vivid wildflowers, enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea in a quaint shop while gazing out the window at a picturesque street scene ... that's what I think I should be doing while wearing this dress. Which perhaps explains why I haven't worn it since buying it more than a year ago.

 Maxi dress, Old Navy

   Love Change tank, Macy's

Carole agate necklace, Nordstrom Rack clearance, ($2.40!)

vintage mother-of-pearl ring, belonged to great-aunt

 
     The dress is rather low-cut, so I added a tank for coverage and to balance out the fanciness of the dress.

      I didn't do anything special in this dress -- it was the first day of classes after spring break. But I did feel pretty all afternoon long. And I think that always counts for something. :)