If The European Lady Can Do It, Take Two

Remember the pants-free look I tried out the other day, inspired by the European lady in Buy Buy Baby?

It worked out…okay.

A little less well than I wanted it to, first because the sweater I decided to wear was an actual, for-real sweater bought a couple of sizes too big rather than a sweater dress, and also because that particular style was cut a wee bit shorter in the front. Add an already-asymmetrical hem to the bowling ball (or…I’m sorry, “crenshaw melon“) I’m carrying around in my midsection, and you’re in for an afternoon of not-particularly-elegant hemline-tugging.

This version, featuring a sweater that’s actually meant to be worn as a dress, worked much better.

See? Safely covered-up, and super-cozy. (I bought that dress for $36 at Lord & Taylor during their re-launch event last fall.)

I was all about the bright colors this summer, but now that we’re into September I’m back in my neutral Safe Zone. The key to avoiding boredom: mix together colors with abandon (here, I’m wearing various shades of grey, brown and black), and throw in patterns, accessories, layers, and textures aplenty.

I also like the idea of including just one brightly colored piece (like my royal-blue Kenneth Jay Lane teardrop earrings; better picture here). Some more ideas for spicing up a simple grey dress: add a hot-pink bracelet, emerald-green shoes, or a neon-yellow scarf. Not all at once, though; let’s be picky with those bright add-ons.

On me: Calvin Klein dress, H&M scarf, mixed bangles (Tuleste Market, Chloe & Isabel, Lulu’s), Joie Elvis ankle boots, Juicy Couture sunglasses, Brickel bag (converts to a hip belt/bag) c/o Alexandra Satine.