Outfit Idea: Ballerina Moment

I love dresses!  I especially love longer simple tank dresses.  They are easy, elegant, comfortable and above all else... versatile.  As everyone knows I love myself a piece of clothing that can be "played with"... there is nothing more exciting to me than coming up with a million different ways to wear the same dress, skirt, shirt, etc!

With that being said, I could hardly contain my excitement as I passed by Aritzia (at the mall) several weeks ago and saw the most simple and beautiful dress in the window.  The simplicity of the design reminded me of a dress that a ballerina might wear in a performance.  It's long, but not too long.  An empire waist keeps the top fitted and allows for a fuller skirt, but not too full.  Just full enough to make it pretty and add a little movement.  

Obviously, I couldn't resist the dress.  I had to have it in black and blue (I have a problem!).  And, after three weeks, I am pretty sure that I have already gotten my money's worth from my purchase.  This dress has inspired many looks already.  I can guarantee that this won't be the last time you read about this dress.  Today I wanted to share my favorite look thus far...

This is my ballerina look.  I am not quite sure if a ballerina would wear this, but I felt pretty, elegant and graceful wearing it... so, close enough!  Saturday was a warm and sunny day that was filled with a lot of errand running and playing outside with the girls.  I wore the dress with my flip flops... simple.

We ended up going to a fun, dressier place for dinner with the girls - I needed something chic, child-friendly and quick.  I added a black ballet sweater, a chunky bracelet and my favorite Madewell Old Town Boot and my trusty black RZ clutch.... dinner ready.  I loved my outfit and more importantly, I felt very Audrey Hepburnish.

Unfortunately I can't find the dress online, but I wanted to share a few other drool-worthy tank dresses.  

The Miguelina Whitney Tank Dress from Free People would be a perfect addition to my closet... 

I am crushing on this BCBGMAXAZARIA Edita Pleated Maxi Dress as well... so many possibilities.

As I find more dresses, I will share them with you.  It is hard to come by the perfect dress that allows a lot of versatility. The hunt continues...

                                                                                                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of freepeople.com and shopbop.com.

Chunky Knits plus much, much more...

On the brink of the cold "winter" weather tomorrow, all I can think about are cozy sweaters, cute tunics, fabulous belts... anything and everything that has to do with layering!  It might as well snow tomorrow with the outfits that I have planned!  When I get into this mood, I head straight to my computer... "Free People, here I come"... to fulfill all of my clothing fantasies.

You may be wondering about my choice in stores... are they too young???  Well, in general, they do market towards twenty-somethings, but if you look close enough there are many pieces that will fit nicely into your wardrobe.  Plus, the bohemian feel of Free People adds a bit of fun and whimsy (we all need a dose here and there).  Another positive of the store... when you add a piece of their clothing or an accessory, you are not going to look like everyone else.

In general, I love their sweaters, dresses (many can be worn as tunics), and jewelry.  They also have great knit tops and slips to use as your base when layering.  The prices are reasonable (for the most part) and, of course, there are many splurge-worthy items... especially in the jewelry department!  You just have to remember that you are probably not going to wear the items the way they are styled online or in the store.  But, I do recommend checking out the website and just remember to think outside the box a bit... have some fun!  

                         - Allison

P.S. This is a great store for gift items!

*photos courtesy of freepeople.com