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.