oops...

I accidentally bought a dress from the Juniors section at Target...

and now, I'm completely obsessed with it as a transitional piece for fall.

Check it out, plus other tips for fall fashion, on my post for the Examiner.

Happy fall!

photo via frappelattes

falling in love

Now that we're officially halfway through October, I'm OK bidding farewell to my summer clothing.  I'm fully enjoying my fall colored flats and cardis.

There is almost nothing I love more for the winter than dresses + tights.

Today I'm loving the Mercury Lucinda dress and the Studio Reade dress, both by Kate Spade. They look like they'd offer just the right amount of comfort and structure for my winter work wear.

uniform required

When I was five, Sara moved in next door. A little peanut, with more hair and personality than body, she busted in to our family cookout one June evening. She drove up in her electric Barbie car and hollered, "Whitneyy I'm heeereee!", beckoning me to hop in the passenger seat.

We were fast friends.

Later in the summer, her parents took both of us to Kings Island. As fun as the trip was, what I remember most was that my mom made me wear a sundress. Even at five, I knew a sundress was not going to be the chosen attire for most Kings Islanders.

It was a navy dress with red tulips that my aunt Carol made for me. Loose and airy, it was my summer uniform. And although my instincts told me to put up a fight, I was happy to be wearing it as I sat on Yogi Bear's lap in the kiddie park.

Upon reflection, I've realized that almost every summer since I have had a sundress that I can't get enough of. My tie-dye dress from when I was six, a floral dress from Gap when I was in eighth grade, a navy sundress for when I first moved to Atlanta. My summers are easily marked by comfortable dresses that I, being uber habitual, unapologetically make my uniform.

Being on a major skirt binge this summer, I thought this year might be an exception.

It took me until July, but I have officially found my favorite summer dress. It's black and white from the Bali Batiks resort line and it honestly could not be more comfortable.

And although I am totally satisfied with the find, I can't help but keep my options open. I am abstaining from buying, but, in case you're still in search of your summer sundress...

If you're feeling retro and nautical: Anthro's Nearby Coast Dress. It screams comfort.

If you're feeling sweet: Going to San Francisco Dress in Stems from Mod Cloth.

If you're feeling hippie, but still vibrant: V-neck halter jersey maxi dress from Victoria's Secret. I've kind of been lusting after it for a few months.

Tuesday?

Whew! With everything that's going on here, I feel like I've had a whole week already. I can't believe it's only Tuesday.

Of course, it probably has to do with the excitement of the weekend to come, which includes Libby's bachelorette party.

I'm counting down the days until I'm reunited with some of my favorite people, all of whom are scattered across the country and engaged in their own adventures (they too, are probably wondering how it's possibly only Tuesday).

I'm thinking the weekend ahead might call for a new ensemble. The Carven Ruffle-skirt Taffeta Dress looks bachelorette-party-perfect to me.

Oh, if only I wore crew necks...

And had $595 to spare.

Photo: apartment #34

on a mission

I don't like to brag, but I have to admit that I'm really great at this: finding an excuse to buy a new dress.

Whether it be for a party, a cookout, or just for it being April 16, I have a real knack.

My most recent subject is the Rose trellis Taryn gown from J.Crew. Because it's rather pricey and less practical than my typical sundress, I haven't been able to drum up an excuse yet.

I looked up random holidays, but National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day seems like a backwards reason to buy a flowing new dress. Unless I try to pretend it would serve as a nightgown. But I think that would be insulting to the dress. I'll have to keep brainstorming.

so fun

A friend of mine always jokes that girls misuse the word "fun".

Whenever he hears a girl say something like, "Isn't this dress so fun?" or "I found the most fun shoes!", he is baffled. He always wonders: how is the dress fun? What does it do to make it fun? Tell jokes? Dance?

Last week, when Erin came to work in a fabulous vintage silk dress and Billi immediately said, "Erin, that's such a fun dress!" I couldn't help but laugh.

As a female, I clearly agreed that the dress was exceptionally fun. But since the dress didn't change colors with her mood or repel bad guys, I'm not sure most men would agree.

I also think this Mel en Stel Candy Striper dress is incredibly fun. Not only is it overly ruffled, but striped and cinched at the waist. What could be more flattering? And what could be more fun than flattering?

playing dress up

When it comes to shopping, I have one major weakness: dresses. I think they're so perfect. For a day in the park. For a day on the town. For work. For play. For travelling. For a date. For life.

I just can't get enough.

If I were planning to splurge right now, I'd definitely start with these...

This Camilla & Marc Zahra Dress from Sunday Brunch. Isn't it beautiful? It feels so toga-chic to me. And with ruffles of the front and a bow on the back, it's simply irresistable.

The Leading Role Dress from Anthropologie. The red is so happy and the fact that it resembles an apron feels very feminine. Can't you just imagine baking cookies in it? Or at least dancing around the kitchen?

I also love the Happy Little Dress from Mod Cloth. I think the name says it all.