TBMD

Warmer weather means it's time to bring my useless dresses out of hibernation. I'm determined to wear skirts and dresses as much as possible this spring/summer. Today's dress isn't vintage, it's just old ("vintage florals" had a better ring to it than "old florals"). Old as in, the first dress I bought for myself almost a decade ago. Yeah, I didn't learn to dress myself until college. Super embarrassing to admit, but funny to think about now.

I had high hopes for H&M's new Conscious Collection, but on release day, only about half the collection was out on the floor.

The item on the top of my wishlist, the Recycled Fabric Blazer (#24) was nowhere to be found! I was beyond bummed when the SA told me they're expecting more shipments over the weekend. I still need to make another trip back out.

I did find and tried on the Organic Cotton Skirt (#36), but no matter how many times I rolled up the waist, it was still much too long on me. The fabric was also so sheer, it was see-through. I passed.

The last item on my wishlist is this pair of Tencel Shorts (#33). A size 2 on me fit just right, in fact maybe a tiny bit snug. Instead of an elastic waist, there is a side button to hold the shorts up. I don't know why I was drawn to them because they're not my usual style. I own mostly cotton clothing and with the thicker fabric, I can't see them going well with these shorts. The flowy and pleated fabric called for something loose and drapey on top and I had just the perfect one in mind. I still need to find more ways to wear the shorts though -- otherwise it's a bit silly to keep them only to wear this exact outfit over and over. How would you style these shorts?

I wanted to take advantage of Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Factory/LOFT's 40% off sale this weekend, but didn't know when I would have the time. I had today off from work and just so happened to wake up super early (for me), so I took that as a sign that today's the day for outlet shopping. Traffic is horrendous in my area; morning rush hour ends late and afternoon rush hour starts early, so timing is crucial. It was meant to be.

When Jean tweeted this Ann Taylor Factory Vintage Floral Lace Dress, size 00P, I remembered it looked awfully similar to the regular store's version that sold out almost immediately last year. It was big on her, so I had high hopes that the dress would fit me. I felt the dress fit me pretty well overall, but the waist seems like it's cut a bit too high? I also wish the dress was longer on me, but unfortunately the outlets do not carry 00 sizes. This dress retails for $198, but with 40% off, the total came out to $118.80. I decided to take this home with me and think about it some more.

The dress above also came in a skirt version. I'm wearing size 0P and it felt just a little bit big. I think 00P would've been perfect but I couldn't find the size. I'm also wearing the Ann Taylor Factory Georgette Petal Top, size XXS P, which is also a copy of the regular store's version from about a year ago. I passed on both.

See the dress and skirt on Extra Petite and the top on Fast Food & Fast Fashion.

Lastly, I literally gasped out loud when I saw this Ann Taylor Factory Flower Animal Print Sheath Dress, size 00P. I've been looking for the regular store's version for the longest time, so I was ecstatic to see this dress in stores. Again, I wish the outlets carried 00 because I would like the length to be longer. It fit me well everywhere except the bust. That area was super roomy -- I swear I can stick a loaf of bread underneath. It's probably not worth the alterations for me as a padded bra would probably fix that issue. The dress has a back zipper instead of one on the side, but I had no problems putting it on. The dress retails for $119.99, so with 40% off, it came out to $71.99. I ended up purchasing this dress as well.

What are your throughts? Are there any I should return or alter?

Raise your hand if you're like me and hate doing taxes. I'm such a goody-two shoes when it comes to doing everything else early... except this. Tax season is the worst. I always wait until the last possible minute. My excuse? I end up paying the government every. single. year. Not chump change either, so no extra shopping cash for me. Time to get married? Buy a house? Have kids? Take a pay cut? All of the above?! But now I can happily say... this year's are finally DONE. I can now enjoy an entire year full of tax-free thoughts. Yay!

PS - I added a FAQs section above. What else do you want to know? Ask away and I'll try to answer.

Black and white reminds me of the last time boyfriend wore a white top with black pants. We were at a friend's wedding where he half wondered if guests would mistaken him for one of the waitstaff. I was tempted to ask a random guest to come up and inquire when hor d'oeuvres would be served, just to see his reaction. Alas, the compassionate side of me decided against it.

Ok you got me, I was looking out for myself. It could've been a longgg ride home.