This outfit is apparently almost entirely brought to you by Banana Republic. (I had just realized this when I was writing the outfit descriptions.) This is kind of a faux-wrap, since the skirt is fully enclosed, but the bodice is still adjustable at the waist, which is where you want it adjustable anyway. So, no fears of the skirt blowing open to reveal my ladyparts! Hurray for hassle-free! Well, except for the neckline. Thanks to the girls, I fussed with covering my cleavage most of the day. I had used clothing tape at first, but that wasn't holding very well. And I didn't want to wear a camisole because it would add extra bulk underneath and ruin the line of the dress. In the end I pinned it, which solved most of the problems. I don't love pinning clothes, however - I hate to make unnecessary holes, and you can just tell that it's pinned by the weird pulling that results. But, it was the best option in this case.
I'm still playing with difference between inside/outside pictures, and hopefully trying to improve the ones I take indoors...
 |
| Grey 3/4 sleeve faux-wrap dress - Banana Republic |
It's a great dress though - fantastic material, lays beautifully, great length, great details in the neck (a somewhat mandarin collar) and the shoulders (a slightly gathered sleeve). It's one of the BR staples, and they've added it in purple for the fall. I highly recommend it if you're looking for an all-occasions dress! I kept my accessories and the overall ensemble rather minimalistic since Friday's event was a very conservative one - not the time to be making fashion statements. I wrestled with adding a pop of color somewhere, whether in accessories/shoes/camisole, but I decided to keep things subtle, choosing gold/ivory accessories to add a twist to the grey, rather than silver - which might have been a propensity. I LOVE browns/tans with greys. I was inspired by the combination from an old What Not to Wear episode, and I've loved it ever since. I really do feel its a sophisticated pairing of neutrals.  |
| Nude heels - Nine West (via Endless.com) |
 |
| Gold polygon necklace - Banana Republic / Smokey quartz earrings and bracelet - Banana Republic |
What it probably actually came down to was the fact that I really wanted to wear this bracelet. It's one of my favorites, but I don't get to wear it that often because I always have trouble pairing a necklace with it. Once I put it on, I knew I must wear it with this dress, so it won out. I even thought I might go without a necklace, since the neckline could speak for itself, but I did want something to fill the space in the end. The necklace is actually a single strand that I doubled up. I thought it played well with the bracelet/earrings without overwhelming them.
Yes, this was Friday. Today is Sunday. I am, once again, behind. I'm about to get ready for work in a minute - yep, Sunday night - so I'll have another post for you later (or tomorrow, at this rate!)
Thanks for reading! =)
