Chloé Van Gogh print dress from Resort 2008

Chloé Van Gogh print dress (bought from ebay)
Linea Pelle Studded Belt from the sample sale (in taupe here; cute budget similar here)
Heather gray Hue tights from Ross (similar here)
Dollhouse shoes from TJ Maxx (similar here)
Vintage cameo necklace from an antique store

I found this dress on ebay for an unbelievable price. I have no idea why it is called a Van Gogh print since I don't think the printed style or the abstract geometric shapes are evocative of Van Gogh at all. I do think something about the print seems illustrative or painterly so perhaps that is from where the name came? Although the front makes it seem collarless, I was pleased to discover these funny little points emblazoning the back collar area.

Thanks to the detailed information on the garment's measurements provided by The Outnet, I was able to determine this size 6 would fit fine.

The bubble hem and the ample, blousey shape are a little difficult to wear, but the print was so interesting that I decided to jump. I couldn't figure out how to style it at first. So I tried a jacket.

 

 And realized that this one from the Kohls clearance rack wouldn't work to counter sufficiently the blousey middle, because the tailoring of the jacket wasn't precise enough. Instead I would wear it with this other jacket my mom bought for me, also from Kohls, incidentally!

 

It is from the Simply Vera collection. It has a sash that will cinch the trench but I didn't have it fastened for this photo. I grabbed the sample sale belt that was proxy purchased for me by Lilykind and thought that looked pretty good with the dress. Now that I am seeing the photos, I do wish I was wearing different shoes. But I stand by the belt.

This particular dress was from the Resort 08 collection and they paired it with a stronger black sandal comprised with thick straps. I don't have anything like that but I do think something slightly more masculine or at least androgynous would look nice. What do you think?

Anthropologie Sale Info

Exhaustive lists of the markdowns can be found on Effortless Anthropologie and Anthroholic! Thank you Roxy and Kim for your tireless efforts to keep the rest of us informed on sales.

Now I need to decide whether or not to partake in this sale. Some items that I normally would jump at are non-issues. For example, the Two Paths Trench (which I adore, as evidenced by my recent ensembles) is on sale for $99!

I just love its layers! 

But the Fragrant Valley dress which was almost completely sold out at my nearest store, is also on sale.

And although I haven't had a chance to try it on, I do admire it very much. It is by Corey Lynn Calter in a mix of silk and cotton. I wonder if it would make a nice occasion dress to wear to summer weddings? I think it would. But I also have many dresses. So I will likely pass. What about you? Buying anything?

Semi-monogamous dressing: See by Chloe Paisley Dress

See by Chloe Paisley Print Silk Dress
Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan by Twig (similar here)
Marc by Marc Jacobs captoe mary jane pumps (similar here)
Bag by Balenciaga (similar by Miu Miu here; similar budget here)

I really like this particular dress and have been wearing it when I can find a reason. The spring colors of the print are unlike anything else I own. I tend to avoid pastel palettes because they are so seasonally confining but I think I will be able to wear this one year round with the right layering. In terms of fit, it is loose through the torso and has an easy drape so while I am wearing an 8, a 6 or 10 would have worked similarly. You can see the garment measurements through its listing on Net-a-Porter.

Excuse my deer in headlights on the right. I am trying to force myself to use the tripod and take clearer ootd photos but have yet to warm up to the idea of it.

Song of the day (thanks to Treme)