TBMD

I have to give all credit to SewPetiteGal and Aubs for their all-things-anchor enabling the last few weeks. I'm such a sucker and didn't even put up much of a fight. Little anchors is such a fun print to wear and accessorize in. Thanks SPG for bringing this scarf to my attention!

The one day I decide to plan my outfit around my shoes, they're nowhere to be found. Black patent pumps would've finished off today's outfit nicely. Instead, it was a toss-up between these snakeskin pumps, booties, or too-tall pumps. Familiarity won, so here's another outfit featuring distressed jeans paired with light-colored shoes.

Have a great Tuesday!

Yet another outfit with the same combination of sweater + pants. This time around, I accessorized for a casual look for cooler temperatures. Same old, but slightly different.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

I went to Woodbury Common for the first time last weekend. It lived up to the hype; outlet shopping won't be the same for me again.

After walking around for a ridiculous eight hours (have to get our money's worth on gas, lol), I left with a single item, a theory Richia W dress in navy/natural polka dots (may still be at outlets - tag info). It was marked down to $79 with an additional 25% off dresses that weekend. Not bad for a dress that's 100% silk.

The smallest size left at the store was a 4, which I eyeballed and concluded may work for me. My friend K took one look and said, "no way, it'll be too big". Unfortunately, K was right and I need to get my eyes checked. The armhole was big, v-neck a bit low, and the waist loose (sorry for the lack of photos). K and I talked about potential alterations: slimming the sides (vetoed, too costly due to side zipper), raising the neckline and armholes by shortening the straps at the shoulders (no, would leave a visible seam), and shortening the straps from the back (see pic below) where the two pieces of fabric met (best idea because seam would remain hidden due to the design and shouldn't be too costly). Sigh, I know I should already be seeing these problem spots and potential solutions myself, but it's much easier (and more fun) shopping with a friend who sews :)
While I mulled things over, K suggested that I go stalk this other girl walking around with the same dress in case she puts hers back on the rack (tempting, but the only subtle stalking I know how is online) or ask an SA to check sizes at other stores across the country (can't believe the style finder option completely slipped my mind). The only issue with the latter is that I wasn't sure if a size 2 would still be loose or if a size 0 would be too tight. K recommended a size 0 and well, after my eyes misjudged a size 4, I shouldn't be trusted. Luckily the SA was able to locate the last size 0 in the entire country for me. Hallelujah! Shipping was $15 (high, but I really wanted the dress), so I figured it essentially canceled out the 25% off promo. If you're my size and interested in the dress, it wouldn't hurt to call a store in case there's been returns.

The dress in size 0 fit me so much better than the 4 (neckline: perfect, armhole: still a teensy bit big, waist: just right). Thank you K for your awesome eye for detail. This dress' style is a bit maternity-ish, with the higher waistline flaring out slightly to a tulip skirt. When the wrong gust of wind blows by, it certainly looks like I could be pregnant (need proof?) For that reason, it may be hard to pull off, but I'm determined to try. I just couldn't pass up the adorable print. I like the size of the polka dots on me, it has pockets, the colors are classic and neutral, and it's just a fun dress overall to wear throughout spring and summer.

I know, polka dots are everywhere, and I'm probably the last person to hop aboard the bandwagon, even if it was accidental. Are you a fan or are you ready for the next trend?

I was eyeing two pairs of sandals during Shopbop's 20% off Friends & Family sale last week. I took too long hemming and hawing, so by the time I was ready to buy, my sizes were sold out. Luckily LOFT's 40% off Friends & Family sale occurred a day later because I found dupes for both pairs. Thank you, shoe Gods!

Sam Edelman Gigi sandals [left] vs. LOFT Vaughn sandals in white snakeskin print, size 6 [right]:
I like how the Gigis have the signature (I think?) Sam Edelman cushioned padding. They certainly helped with comfort in my one prior experience with the brand. The LOFT pair doesn't have the same padding, but otherwise looks the same as the Gigis.

I found these sandals to run true to size. The footbed isn't the most comfortable, but that's to be expected without padding. I would compare the the type of material used (thickness, flexibility, etc) and level of comfort similar to J.Crew capri sandals (which I used to own) and Old Navy Faux-Leather Capri sandals (currently own).

The buckle closure was my biggest issue with these sandals. There's an elastic portion right next to the buckle, so every time I pulled, trying to undo the closure, the elastic part stretched but the buckle wouldn't budge. Am I just a n00b with chubby fingers? I can already see myself struggling with the closure every morning, so sadly, this pair will be going back to LOFT.

Sam Edelman Sophie sandals [left] vs. LOFT Frances color pop wedges in safari tan, size 6 [right]:
I wanted a pair of sandals with two thicker straps across the front and a thick/wide wooden heel. Though neither fit the heel requirement, I felt the lower heel (~2") was a good compromise and didn't look too clunky. I also liked the nude color of the top strap -- doesn't cut off your legs. I can see these wedges being dressed up with skirts and worn casually with jeans.

I took my usual size 6 in these wedges and felt they run a bit long in length and on the narrow side in width. My foot wasn't hanging off the side edges, but my toes do look a bit squished (pic below). The roominess in front didn't feel as significant as it looks in photos -- though I do wonder if the extra space will bother me over time. Sizing down probably wouldn't work because of the narrow width. The ankle strap could be slightly more snug (top strap isn't adjustable), but so far, no almost-twisting-the-ankles while briskly walking around at home.
The best feature is the back zipper. I struggled with the buckle closure of the Vaughn sandals, so it was a relief that I didn't have to fiddle with the strap on this pair. If I had to nitpick, the zipper doesn't glide as smoothly as I'd like, but using one hand to pull the material taut before unzipping helped.

I wore the wedges around the house and barely noticed I had shoes on. They're comfortable and it helped that the material is lightweight. I can possibly see a need to break in the ankle straps as they might cause blisters. But for now, I'm leaning towards keeping this pair because I love the colors and style. Please help me decide -- should I keep or return these wedges?