Dress – Gap (no longer available – from this past summer)
Cardigan – only mine via Nordstrom (no longer available – from early fall 2010)
Belt – Old Navy (no longer available – bought late summer 2010)
Tights – Spanx Tight End Tights
Booties – Cole Haan “Air Talia” bootie
Silver cuff
So I am at a point where I don't own a single pair of pants that fit. I am working really hard to be creative with what I own so I can save up for new spring clothing. I haven't worn this dress since it was warm enough to wear it with bare arms and legs. I saw another blogger rock it with a v-neck cardi and belt over both pieces and it inspired me to keep it in my closet for the winter. This morning I felt like wearing some color so I tried it out.
I have decided to grow out my bangs so they are sideswept again. I love the thick straight bangs look, but fear it will make my face look rounder and will be hard to maintain once it gets warmer. You never know, I may go back. Anyway they are at a strange length now where they don't really blend into the rest of my hair when my hair is air-dried wavy, so I tucked them behind my ear with a clamp-style barrette.
This week is another hectic one at work. The past two days I was in the office prior to 7am and I have some major projects coming down the pike. I have been feeling pretty stressed and my body is reacting with back spasms and a stiff neck in the morning and an upset stomach. I really wanted to go to the gym this morning, but instead took that time to meditate. While my husband slept, I took a little corner in the bedroom and really focused on my breathing and let myself release. It really helped a lot. I'll hit up the gym tomorrow so I can have the energy and stamina to pull through the rest of this week! 🙂
I love this look!
You look adorable! And I love the idea of extending the life of a summer dress.
Kat
gingerandthegeek.com/kitty-corner
That color looks fabulous on you – you look fantastic. I’m the same way with pants right now – none of my pants fit and I’m in between sizes. So, mostly dresses – although I did buy new jeans.
Oh my gosh Allie! You look gorgeous in this! It’s fun and flirty, and very flattering. 10/10 <3
You look pretty in purple! I also love that belt! A perfect addition to the outfit.
And, thanks for your kind comment on my blog. I’m glad Twitter connected us, too!
yes! I agree with the others – great color, great outfit and your new figure is looking great!
You are looking FANTASTIC! The color and fit of that dress is lovely on you.
Outfit and hair are really cute and youthful. You would never guess that you are stressed out and tired!
you look great. i love this dress! i also think you would look great with bangs, but like you without, as well!
Love that blue and black together – gorgeous combo.
Aw, you guys have made my day!
I’ve been a reader here for ages, but thought it was time to de-lurk to say how fab you look. Loving the colour of the dress with the black, and you look so happy, you made me smile!
Bernie
You look super cute today. Love the color, love the dress!
Oooh, I walk past a Gap on the way to the Metro – thanks for the heads up Lee! And BTW, congrats on the weight loss, that is fantastic!
Allie — as someone who has also dropped weight on WW lately, I thought I would mention that Gap has some of their nicer trousers and dress pants on sale, plus an extra 40% off. Still decent selection too — I scored a pair of grey boy fit trousers for $12.
And speaking of my weight loss — you really motivated me to kick it into gear. I am 5′ 10″, and I have been hovering at a size 12 and 172-174 pounds for years, but after four months of Weight Watchers, I am almost down to my goal weight of 154, and I can wear most size 8s now.
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Lee
I agree with Kate – the pictures really show how much you’ve lost! And I think your hair looks really good like that – that was my second thought.
:0]
You look terrific! Weight Watchers is really working! Last weekend I was in the bookstore looking at a weight loss book by Dean Ornish, “Eat More, Weigh Less” and he actually advocates that everyday should start with 10 minutes of meditation and breathing. So, you are right on track!
That dress really becomes you, and it’s a beautiful colour! I like your tip on focus on breathing to stress out, I should do that once in a while.
It’s so true – when stressed I often realize I am clenching my teeth, holding my breath, etc. Just focusing on that helps so much!
Amazing outfit – but what really prompted me to post is your meditation/breathing comments. When I get majorly stressed it’s usually because I’m forgetting to exhale. Srsly!
Thanks everyone!
That color is beautiful on you and what a great way to winterize it, while still being able to see the details!
Such great details on that dress!
For some reason, this outfit makes it really easy to see how much weight you’ve lost recently. I bet you get a lot of compliments today!