TBMD

Sale alert: Today only at J.Crew, take an extra 40% off final sale items with code WEDNESDAY.

Also, at Ann Taylor: take 50% off dresses through 7/11 with code SUMMERSTYLE.

A recent, but already closet favorite:
- Balcony shirtdress - $74 in petites, $79 in regular (both after code) - see review/outfit

Maxi dresses as a recurring theme continues with yet another outfit today. Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

The last time I wore an all-white ensemble, Spiffie suggested pairing the eyelet skirt with a non-cropped top. I mentally ran through the tank tops in my closet and vetoed them all for one reason or another -- ribbed material is too casual, fabric is too thin, etc. Then all of a sudden I remembered a white sequined tank that hasn't seen the light of day in ages. It's the perfect middle ground of dressy-casual that I was looking for.

A quick post to end this long weekend. Hope you have a good one!

The Ann Taylor balcony shirtdress in desert sky, size XXSP (sold in petite/regular) was the only item I was really excited about when the summer collection was released. I fell in love with the mixture of prints, the preppy vibe, and the shirtdress style.

During the recent 50% off dresses promo, I tried on XXSP [below left] and XS [below right] I'd say the dress fits TTS to a bit large. The regular size is about 1.5" longer than the petite, which I didn't think was as flattering on me. Though I could use extra fabric as the dress does hike up when I sit down.
Approximate measurements: shoulder-to-shoulder is 14" on XXSP, 15" on XS / length is 34" on XXSP, 35.5" on XS.
The material has a nice weight (97% cotton, 3% spandex), similar to those on dress shirts. It's comfortable but does wrinkle as the day progresses. Dress is dry clean only.

Note the $10 price difference between regular and petite sizing ($158 vs. $148) for the balcony shirtdress. It's odd because the tag has the dress priced at $128 for both versions.

To shop other sales during this holiday weekend, see the right sidebar. Enjoy the fireworks and have a happy Fourth!

DH and I have been talking about going on a honeymoon for what seems like forever. Fast forward a year, and we're still at the same spot in the planning stage as back then (!) Sigh. What we are able to make decisions on are short trips, preferably to places we've been to before. So I guess our recent trip to Charlottesville fills that void until we go someplace more exciting.

UVA was our home away from home for four years, so it holds a special place in our hearts. There are a few spots we make a point to stop at every time we visit, which includes Bodo's Bagels, a dining hall, and more Bodo's. Sadly, dining hall hours are irregular in the summer, but I did manage to eat enough bagels to last me until the next visit. I'll never tire of their smoked turkey on an everything bagel [photo below]. We even brought some back with us for lunch the next day. Bagels for three consecutive days? No complaints here.