Review: H&M Shirtdress (and a bit of photo-phobia)

Dress and Belt: H&M (Size 4, $34.95) / Bag: Jason Wu for Target / Sandals: from my sister, bought in Dubai / Necklace: hand-me-down from my mother / Bracelets: bought in England

 

A few hours ago, I was all about this shirtdress! Almost half of the reason I bought it was for the belt, which struck me as endlessly pair-able (no holes, totally adjustable, great color). Then, I put on the dress today, and...the belt broke. Damn it, H&M! I know we're not talking the greatest quality here, but breaking on my first wear? Given my sample size of 1, this may not be an issue with the belt's construction as a whole and might just be that I got a dud. I'll probably make my way back to the store and try to exchange it...

Other than that, the dress is great! It runs small (I got a size 4 and usually wear a 0 or 00 in most stores and a 2 at H&M), and it's floaty and feminine and perfect for summer. It is, however, a bit sheer (I'm wearing an extra slip underneath, in addition to the attached lining), so I wouldn't buy unless you have a slip handy, or can rock that sheer look in a way I can't.

If you're interested, here's the product #:

 

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In other news, I'm becoming increasingly self-conscious about taking photos! I've been shooting in a little alley next to my summer sublet, looking about furtively each time I walk there with my camera and snapping pictures as quickly as possible, terrified that someone will walk by. I have no idea what I'd say if they did, though I've invented a few fanciful stories in my head about photography class self-portrait assignments that seem to ease the fear. :)

So, anyone have any tips on overcoming photo-phobia? Does this unfounded fear get to anyone else, too?

ASOS Skater Dress

This might be my new favorite dress. I think I'm in love.

 Dress: ASOS Skater Dress (size 4, $36.45) /  Belt: came with a dress from H&M / Sandals: Gap / Purse: vintage Coach, via eBay / Necklace: DIY

I found this skater dress thanks to Hello, Framboise who wore it here. I was immediately drawn to the stripes (of course), the cute short sleeves, the classic silhouette, and the fact that it was on my "List." To keep from splurging on clothing I don't need, I keep a running list on my phone and computer of the things I really want and/or need. Most of the items on my list have been there for years (I'm still waiting on you, tweed mini skirt!), and I know that if they stay there, it means they're really worth buying.

A dress to replace this one (second outfit in that post) has been on my list for a few months now. Though I looove that Modcloth dress, I do realize that it is a few (ahem, many) inches too short to be much more than super-casual. I wanted a similar dress that I could wear to class, dinner, or any time when I don't feel like baring my entire thighs. I'd say this cute number from ASOS fits the bill. It is so soft and comfortable, fits like a dream (in a size 4, ASOS has odd/British sizing, though it this dress was supposedly in US sizing), and doesn't wrinkle at all. Perfection.

Designer Backpacks and Other Oddities

Top: Gap / Skirt: Thrifted Urban Outfitters ($13.00, down from $58) / Bracelet: passed down from my mom / Necklace: bought in Italy / Sandals: Gap / Backpack: Coach ($70, down from about $270!) / Glasses: Coach

Please pardon the pouty face! 

Sometimes, you find what you're looking for in the strangest of places. In this case, in the Coach Men's outlet store.

My mom and I went outlet shopping a few weeks ago, before I left for Boston. We wandered about the Camarillo Outlets north of LA for hours, finding a few things we needed and, the oddest purchase of all, this backpack.

I wanted a backpack because I knew I'd be biking a fair amount over the next two years, and I've finally realized how bad a cross-body bag laden with books is for my back. Yes, I'm going to grad school and not middle school, but c'est la vie, I thought it was for the best. :) Enter: this Coach backpack. (I know, it sounds weird to me, too.)

The sturdy canvas and leather, the idea of Coach quality, the simplicity, and the classiness all made it feel like so much more than a middle-school backpack. Also, it was $70, down from a completely crazy $270-ish! So, I now own a Coach backpack? Strange to say, but awesome to have around. My back already thanks me!

p.s., I waterproofed the canvas and leather with a camping-and-outdoors spray a lot like this one,
  (the Sales Assistant said it was already weather-treated, but I wanted to make super-sure) to prepare for the MA rain and snow, and so far it has held up fantastically in the summer storms.

p.p.s. Your comments on my recent post were so so sweet. The Boyfriend was very proud of his pictures and the reaction they received. :)

Hope you're having a great start to your week!

Searching for: Comfy Flats

Since discovering that all of my flats are almost totally useless in a walking city, I've been keeping an eye out for a more comfortable pair. The comments on my previous post were so helpful and inspired me to search for foot-friendly brands like Clarks and Naturalizers. My search turned up the following options, which I think I'll try out, given Zappos' free shipping and easy returns:

Indigo by Clarks Plush Bea ($84.99):

 

Fitzwel Shontel Flat ($74.99):

  

Crocs Adrina Flat ($40.00):

Ok, the last one is a bit crazy for a few reasons. Firtly, Crocs. Never thought I'd consider a pair, but this flat is so much more chic than the clunky slip-on's they're known for. Secondly, they remind me of the jelly shoes I wore constantly throughout elementary school! One commenter actually suggested a pair of jellies for comfy summer flats and I think she might have been on to something...

As for the first two, I like them because they're both classic, versatile styles with a bit of a twist (the cutouts on the Clarks and the sequins on the Fitzwels). They would replace a pair I've had for over 2 years that are truly and completely worn to the ground.

What do you think of the classic black? Or would you take the leap and buy a pair of jelly Crocs? :)