In recent years, I’ve recognized my need to invest in more polished and professional, yet personality-filled dresses. My dresses in years past were basic cotton or polyester, typically a darker solid and not really well constructed. Think we can all agree that there’s something about a fantastic fitting dress, with perfect seaming and darting in a great fabric that shows off your curves, that’s unparalleled.
I saw Tara post this J. Crew Factory dress and immediately went the next day to check it out. Ha, the power of blogs! The brand — which has this print & complementing “raspberry’ hue on all of these pieces — always had a great work to weekend mix, and the quality on a majority of the items is fantastic.
I spoke on a panel during the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s business women’s summit (which, by the way, was so inspirational & motivating!), and realized I nothing that screamed BAD ASS BUSINESS WOMAN…. and apparently that felt necessary. 😉 The dress was on a 50% off promo (as if I needed another sign it was meant to be!), so despite feeling it might be a touch too long I took it without a second thought and am so happy I did. I got a million compliments and love how it’s a stylish statement while also polished and practical.
Keeping the heels and other accessories neutral also helps achieve that. I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of nude pumps and found these recently at DSW. The stacked heel trend is a major win for anyone who’s not a heels girl. These are way comfier than most of my older flats with a thinner heel, and the DSW price point couldn’t be beat. Do you guys shop there? I hadn’t been in ages but had 20 minutes to kill… and a coupon… so you know how that goes.
Dress: J. Crew Factory // Heels: Steve Madden ‘Calista’ via DSW (similar to this) // Tote: Louis Vuitton // Earrings: H&M (old; similar) // Ring: BaubleBar // Watch: Kate Spade (new version here) // Phone Case: Ban.do (it drizzles glitter!) // Computer: Apple MacBook
PS: My photographer Alissa kept giving me a hard time about holding my coffee cup upright, and I can now see why. So, I was dying for a real cup of coffee but this delicious place behind me, Paris in Town at Downtown at the Gardens, opens at 11 am and we shot this around 9:45 am. Clearly I’m not as convincing unless I face the risk of literally spilling scalding coffee on my leg. 😉
Photography: South Moon Photography
Join the Conversation
Lorena
October 4, 2016 at 10:45 AMBeautifully worn, and well, isn’t that what blogger friends are for 😉 ?
Michelle
September 29, 2016 at 1:29 PMHi Alyson,
I wanted to connect with you & say thanks. A year ago someone I barely knew mentioned my Blog in a comment on your blog post about bloggers over 40.
I have & am still, getting traffic from this!
She is now a very good friend of mine, in fact we just shared a weekend in Paris together!
I thought you’d like to know xxx
Alyson
October 5, 2016 at 6:53 PMOh my goodness, Michelle… that’s amazing! So wonderful to hear that you’re getting traffic and even cooler, that you’ve made such a great friend along the way. Xx
Shira
September 28, 2016 at 7:06 PMYesssss you obviously needed this dress! So pretty!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Sam
September 28, 2016 at 9:36 AMLove this pattern! J.Crew Factory has seriously stepped up their game recently and I’ve definitely been ordering from them more and more. Those earrings are pretty fabulous too!
xx
Sam
Lauren
September 28, 2016 at 6:27 AMThis dress is so cute on you! I love the bright floral print. I haven’t been into DSW in ages, but it sounds like I need to make a trip ASAP. I love those heels!!
Fizz and Frosting
Alyson
October 5, 2016 at 6:54 PMYeah, I hadn’t been in so long — they’ve definitely upped their game and SO many good brands, too.
Tara
September 28, 2016 at 6:22 AMTotal perfection on you!