cold spell + J.Crew Button Front Dress Review

Remember how about three days ago I was bitching how it was so hot and I have no clothes to wear for that weather? Luckily for me, the temps have dropped about 30 degrees so we're right back into perfect weather territory - just enough to layer a little bit but not not cold enough to need a jacket. All you need is a fun scarf ;)

Unfortunately this weather won't last long until it gets hot again. After hearing about Everlane for over a year, I finally caved and ordered two of the v-neck tees (I was boring and just got white and black). Both Jess and Lauren rave about their quality and longevity so I'm excited to test them out. I'll be sure to report back once I receive them. I also stumbled upon this tee from Express (as seen here) and I think it'll be a fun casual shirt to have for the summer. I'm hoping to do a bit of Memorial Day shopping (mostly to get those last few pieces for school) but I'm also going to keep my eyes out for shorts. Ick. Budgetting Bloggers goes up on Tuesday so at least consider trying to stick to your budgets while all of the sales are temping us!

Cardigan: thrifted

Tee: Hanes

Scarf: Target [exact]

Jeans: American Eagle [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch, thrifted by my mom

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

Watch: Kate Spade [exact]

In other news, yesterday I went to J.Crew to try on this dress. I saw it in stores when we were in Minneapolis, and then I also saw it on Lauren and thought it was just gorgeous. I've set some money aside recently to buy a dress specifically for my work going away party / summer weddings / possible white coat ceremony that isn't a part of my normal budget. I wanted something versatile and appropriate for all of those occasions, and I was hoping this dress would be it. I even had a dream about it, so needless to say, I had high hopes for it. 

In the catalog it looks like it was knee length, but online it looks a bit shorter. I think this picture is a little bit misleading as well because it is on the shorter side of "knee length", at least on 5'9'' me. The fabric is thick, and the lining would prevent having to wear a slip, and of course the pockets are fun. I felt that the dress runs small, as I wear a 10 in both blazers and tops at J.Crew, and this dress is a 12. It's too tight in the chest as you can see by the buttons pulling on the chest, and leaves too much of the armpit area exposed. 

I think my problem with the dress is more on me than on the dress. I really really dislike my arms, and therefore a sleeveless dress obviously is only going to show those suckers off. I'm disappointed because I kind of hoped that wouldn't be the case in this situation (why, I'm not sure, it's the allure of the skinny models wearing the pretty dress!). It's definitely a beautiful dress in real life, and I'm envious of those who own it, but it just isn't going to be the one for me :(

mismatched leathers

Is the fact that my purse and belt match, but my shoes don't, driving you crazy? I didn't even notice how much they aren't the same color until I looked at these pictures. Yikes! To be honest, these shoes are also looking to be replaced, or at least I need to add a pair in a darker leather to put into the rotation to give these a break. Cognac is one of my closet neutrals though, so a simple flat such as these Clarks, these Fryes, or these Steve Maddens would get a lot of wear. I think a simple ballet flat will also help some of my looks not be so old man.

but like...cute old man, right? 

Blouse: Calvin Klein Outlet [similar]

Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]

Scarf: Target [exact]

Belt: Gap [slightly darker version]

Shoes: Crown Vintage [similar]

Bag: Madewell [exact]

Watch: gift from my sister [similar]

Nails: Essie Lapiz of Luxury

of course I'm linking up with Heidi and Marissa for their pantone challenge!

apart

I hope you guys all had a great weekend! Chris was home in between his rotations. He just spent 6 weeks in peds and now is going to go do ob-gyn. This is the last away rotation of the year so I'm really happy about that. If nothing else, it's kind of like practice for next year. We're pretty independent people so we do alright being apart, but it does get lonely some nights. Guess it's something I'll have to get used to though with at least a year of being 10+ hours apart. It's a sacrifice that I hope works out in the end.

We spent part of the weekend sorting out items to sell or donate - we're moving out of our current house at the end of June and we have so much stuff we've carried around over the years. We sold $50 worth of books at Half-Price books and donated a giant box of his clothes to Goodwill. We then drove to the outlet mall 45 minutes away...mostly because J.Crew Factory was having a 50% off everything sale. Naturally I wanted everything in the store but I only walked out with this skirt (also seen here on instagram) and this blue tee. I think the skirt will be perfect for the summer! I also tried on these shoes but I didn't want to commit to a shoe with a shape I was unsure about from a store that is too far away to make an easy return. I also found 2 pieces for my medical school wardrobe at Banana Republic- a grey dress and a black/white blouse (seen here).  Shopping at the outlets can be tricky because the prices are so good, but I always have to remind myself that whatever I purchase can't be returned (because the stores are so far away) so I have to really like them, and not just like them because they are inexpensive.

Shirt: Espirt Germany

Jeans: American Eagle  [exact]

Scarf: Target  [exact]

Shoes: Aldo  [save | splurge]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington  [exact]

Ring: Karen Walker  [save | exact]

Nails: Essie Ballet Slipper

P.S. Have you ever wanted to know what tricks Hans and Baer can do? Visit Sam's Blog Dog Feature to find out!!

no springing, just jumping

What, you expected that I wasn't going to wear my new shirt right away? We all know better.

While it was only 6 degrees on the first official day of spring, I felt it would only be appropriate to wear my new floral scarf that Audrey tracked down for me (what a gem that girl is), and my favorite belt. I got this Madewell belt last summer on clearance (worn here), but it looks like they brought it back again this year - smart move, Madewell. 

Don't forget! Monday starts the 5 Days, 5 Ways link up - first up is tops! I can't wait to see all the ways you've worn a shirt / jacket / vest / something that covers the top part of your body.

Looking for a way to make a collage? I use iPiccy for every collage I make - it's super easy to use.

Chambray: J.Crew Factory  [exact]
Jeans: Urban Outfitters  [exact]
Scarf: Target
Belt: Madewell   [exact]
Shoes: Nine West  [save | splurge]
Watch: Target [LOVE this similar white style]
Bracelet: Forever 21
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue







P.S. Kimmie said she was going to ban me from the internet if I didn't post this picture. I was trying to spring forward. It is truly embarrassing and awful but also hilarious. Hilariously awful.

P.P.S. One day left to enter the above the knuckle ring giveaway!