Worst dress OOTD

I wore this to teach my summer class prior to the heat wave that rendered me unable to wear all non-breathable fabrics and layers. And I have to be honest. I kind of hate this dress (called the Tiered Habitual Shirtdress by Sachin and Babi). I feel like it represents the new(ish) direction of Anthropologie that makes me barely visit the store anymore (says the lady with no free time to spare anyway). It do think it looks cool enough and I like the windowpane pleating/tiers of the skirt portion but I hate that it is sleeveless. It is so so heavy and hot that it makes no sense as a sleeveless dress (unless the sleevelessness is to vent one's extremities due to the furnace effect of the hot polyester fabric). Speaking of, I hate that it is the thickest, worst, most itchy feeling polyester. And I hate that it retailed for $148. Of course, I didn't pay that because I am a second (or third!) cut sale kind of lady. But I cannot believe a dress with fabric that feels like this was ever priced so high.

I've never been a fan of the sleeveless-with-a-collar-and-button-front look on myself. And I won't wear it without some sort of top layer strategy. I'm surprised I decided to keep and wear this dress at all. If I hadn't been extra groggy and rushed as I got ready on this particular morning, I am sure I would have taken a few more days to decide whether it (part of an online order was worth keeping). But it arrived in the morning, on a day when I was already running behind, just as I was lamenting silently that I had no clue what to wear. When I bought it, I had "nursing-friendly" sale goggles. But I need to remind myself that just because something has a button front panel doesn't mean I need to own it.

Who knows? Come fall I might wind up considering this to be a wardrobe staple? But right now I don't even like brushing my bare arm against it as I comb through my closet as I get ready.

Details:
Tiered Habitual Shirtdress from Anthropologie
Gap outlet cardigan
Miu Miu flats
Kors watch

*Save for a giveaway I hope to launch soon, things will be (and have been) a little quiet around here for the next few weeks, as I gear up to FINALLY defend my dissertation. I am embarrassed and humbled that it took me so long. But better late than never! I'll take any luck, well-wishes, and outfit suggestions/advice you have to spare because I am REALLY nervous!

Pregnancy Outfit Repeats, Postpartum

During the first half of my pregnancy I found myself wearing a lot of stretchy things from Anthropologie, Gap, and Old Navy to try to cope with the summer heat and my changing figure. Now that I am 7 months postpartum, I am doing the same. Although my body is different from before, I see glimpses of its former self now and then. In a "body after baby"-obsessed culture, it can be difficult to maintain self-kindness and realistic expectations. I'm also sure if I prioritized gym trips I would see better "progress." But with little free time to spare, I am busy writing, cleaning, grading, and running as many errands as I can. The gym can wait.

This outfit is a repeat from two Mays ago, after the end of my first trimester. I wore it to teach my summer class and to a few other functions recently. Including a kid-friendly outdoor summer concert series, called Weather Permitting (at Shadyside Nursery for those of you who are in Pittsburgh).

Details:
Anthropologie top and skirt
Etro sunglasses
Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats

Emilia is wearing Tea Collection

BTW, I drew the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway. Congratulations to commenter, Flaneuse who won by liking Consume or Consumed on Facebook! Thank you to Shabby Apple and everyone who entered!! I will be launching a new giveaway soon so stay turned.