As Tabs likes to say, “Mrow, meow-rrow-wow.” Translation: stripes are always a good thing. 🙂
Yes, my hair is still dark in these pics because I took them before I left for the salon yesterday; hence the chocolate brown.
This striped “strappy” flare dress is yet another find from LOFT that I’m absolutely loving. (I swear, that store needs to stop having sales every five seconds, because they’re very hard to resist!) I got it on sale on their website a while back for 40% off. Woop-woop!
It’s soft, comfortable cotton, for starters, and you know me. If something pinches or binds, or if it’s itchy or otherwise uncomfortable in any way, I’m SO not having it.
It also has some stretch to it, so the dress moves as you do, and hello, jackpot! — you can throw it in the washer at home. You don’t have to take it to the dry cleaners.
I’m wearing it here with a white collarless jacket because I was in the mood to dress it up little, but it also looks pretty cute with a cardigan or a denim jacket, or all by itself on a warm day.
To play up the stripes, I paired it with a floral patterned clutch, because I like the contrast of the curvy flowers with the long lines on the dress.
‘Tis pleasing to my eye!
Then I painted a lemon-lime nail polish on my tips to accentuate the tones on the purse.
I guess I could’ve worn a different necklace…because now that I think about it, the jade green looks a little out of left field, but I still like the idea of the green with the purse’s yellow. I like how it breaks things up and keeps the outfit from looking too matchy-matchy.
Dress — LOFT Striped Strappy Flare Dress
Clutch — LOFT Art Floral Pouch
Jacket — Leifsdottir (here’s something similar)
Necklace — Kate Spade (something similar)
Earrings — Kate Spade
Shoes — Jelly Pop
Lips — MAC Huggable Lip Colour in Play It Soft
Eyes — MAC Amber Times Nine Eye Shadow X 9
Nails — Paul & Joe Nail Polish in Bitter Lime
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Happy hump day, by the way. 🙂 What are you wearing?
Jessica says
That’s cute. I don’t wear stripes. come to think of it, I don’t think I have anything stripey…
I MORE than make up for it with leopard print though. 😀
(Hiiii Tabs meow-rrrow!!)
Jessica says
Oh, I’m wearing a leopard print top. With a black skirt and the new UD Backfire eyeshadow. luv!
Lexi says
I’m wearing an old college tee and VS sweat pants…comfy and cozy on this rainy day ;P Your dress looks so cute and I also like the not too matchy style. The bright colors of your clutch and nails also look nice with the blue + white stripes. I’ve never shopped LOFT, but I have to take a look! And I’m going to take a look at those shoes, too *_* Have a great day, Karen!
Shannon says
You are so right about Loft sales. I am wearing a grey Loft shift dress that I purchased for $25 yesterday. The Loft styles are really cute this year as well as affordable.
Vanessa says
I’m wearing a light blue Ann Taylor cotton button up shirt and black slim banana republic wool pants with no makeup except a few dots of concealer on a blemish.
Whoop whoop for the simple business look… But I like your color 😀
Agata says
I absolutely love this outfit! The white jacket looks really pretty with that dress! I love the clutch too and I think the necklace doesn’t look out of place at all! Loft for the win again!
Karen says
SERIOUSLY, so obsessed. I saw on twitter that you stopped by the store. Did you get anything?
Lauren says
You look gorgeous!! I love this outfit and love the floral/stripe contrast. You are always so put together! I’ve wondered every time I pass the LOFT, is it Ann Taylor Loft?
What am I wearing? A freaking winter coat! Darn Chicago!
Karen says
Hi Lauren,
Aww, thank you, girlfriend! And yes, LOFT is the same thing as Ann Taylor Loft. I think they changed the name in a rebranding a few years back.
Ummm…I hope that you’re wearing a summer dress underneath that winter coat!
Arianne says
So freakin’ cute! Love how you paired the dress with that floral clutch. By the way, you are so teeny tiny, Karen! Are you still running outside regularly?
P.S. Your niece Scherbs, is like the opposite of tiny. She is struggling to get her winter weight off, LOL!
Karen says
Hi Arianne,
Yup, still running. I’m doing mostly treadmill these days because it’s easy and I don’t have to think too hard. LOL I’ve also recently started bike riding too, which is fun. Gives me an excuse to explore my neighborhoods. There’s also a ton of hills where I live so it’s a good workout.
How are things with you? I’m loving your baby bump, by the way! You’re absolutely glowing!
P.S. Give Scherbs a big squeeze for me. 🙂
Ruchita says
Such a cute dress! I love anything with strech and and a little bit of flare. I’m all about comfort, especially when it’s hot outside. I wear dresses all the time in the summer. It’s so nice to be able to slip on one item of clothing and be ready to go.
Also, that purse is so fun and bright. It makes me smile! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Ruchita,
Thank you! Stretch + Flare = a great thing. LOL! Has it warmed up yet where you live?
Hi to my kitty nephew and nieces!
Ruchita says
Yes, it is finally warm! The past couple of days have been in the low 60s, but that’s still a lot better than snow. The cats have been enjoying going out to eat grass.
Is Tabs enjoying his outdoor enclosure? We put a bird feeder out in the backyard, but have yet to see any birds. I figured they’d be all over the free food!
astou says
Love it, so so beautiful.
I have my eyes on that clutch!
Allison C says
Love your adorable sun dress! I always love blue & white stripes. They say summer to me. Wish it was warm enough here to wear something like that! Still cold here, so I haven’t even worn sandals yet
LindaLibraLoca says
I am wearing PJ bottoms and a comfy sweater, because it is almost bed time here at Casa Loca.
The dress looks so pretty on you, and I love that you resisted styling it the typical nautical way, which I probably would have done. So uninspired!
You way is much more stylish.
I can see why Tabs approves…
Sarah says
Karen,
You have phenomenal fashion sense.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Kwmechelle says
Nothing too spectacular but I bought a pair of leopard print flats, with a black satin ribbon bow, from a consignment shop while visiting my doppelgänger a few weeks back. I paired them with a pair of skinny jeans (that I got from the same store) & my Riri2 lippie & Explicit gloss + Nightmoth liner. I feel kinda casual/sexy bc I’m also rocking Ciarra-inspired cornrows. Very pleasant spring day here & sunshine & a light breeze blowing. Oh, I painted my nails a coral gel polish color. Happy hump day 🙂
Stephanie says
I shop at both LOFT and Ann Taylor. AT is slightly more dressy than LOFT, I have my eye on this dress: http://www.anntaylor.com/floral-eyelet-dress/361974?skuId=18456189&defaultColor=&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000012&priceSort=DESC
I’ve noticed they alternate sales, as soon as LOFT sales end Ann Taylor starts.
Today I’m wearing a LOFT t shirt & cardigan, jeans and Vans. Not very dressy!
Kiss & Make-up says
You look seriously cute here! And very young! You could easily pass for 25. Loving the sunny manicure, I’m a bit obsessed with yellow these days.
Icequeen81 says
Love how your hairlooks I love the side part hair, I wish I knew how accomplish that.