So, I'm currently loving this dress. I think it fits me well, plus it's got a nice little peplum that hides my food belly and creates a bit of shape to my normal straight up-and-down-ness. But honestly, this dress also makes me feel a bit uncomfortable because it fits me well and creates a bit of a shape.
Hi, I'm Lisa, a grown-ass adult who does grown-ass adult things, but I feel awkward about being seen as a grown-ass adult - still following me here?
When it comes to picking out something to wear, I usually consider myself a fairly modern but modest dresser. I don't want to look like some way-too-old-for-that twee, but I don't feel right donning a strapless dress and stilettos to go out either. Nothing wrong with wearing a strapless anything, but I've never been one to think I could rock something like that.
I was raised in a pretty conservative household and most of my friends growing up were a pretty straight-laced bunch. I wouldn't say I was a nerd - because I sure wasn't smart enough for that - but my crowd was definitely most comfortable in jeans and baggy sweatshirts (the non-embellished kind, sorry J.Crew).
I didn't really get "dressed up" until well after college and had to start looking like a normal functioning adult person (and thank you, blog, for immortalizing most of my looks, for better or worse, from the last few years). And while I've gotten to really like this fashion thing and the adventure of styling myself and trying new looks, I still tend to sway towards the conservative end of things.
So I guess this post has just been a long awkward explanation on why I strive to look like a lady but I still struggle with looking like a woman. You can call me Girl Friday, but I'm a long ways from a Jessica Rabbit!
Jacket: F21 knit moto (worn here - sim, sim, cas)
Dress: Loft striped merino peplum (same as sweater, pricey, deal)
Necklace: DefinitelyDifferent (worn here - sim, sim, deal)
Bracelets: J.Crew factory (sim, sim)
Belt: Asos plate detail (worn here - sim deal, w/bow, pricey)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction swim n fool (worn here - sim, pricey, deal)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (worn here - sim steal, foldover, as tote)
Lisa, I love your style!! I've been debating buying this dress also but it's final sale. I'm 4'11" and weigh 105 lbs. You look my size and wanted to see if you could give me some advice. Do you think the petite xs would be too small? I can only find it online.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anon! I am 5'2" and normally a size 2/2P and ordered this in a regular size XS so that should give you an idea on the length. I think getting a XXS or PXS would be your best two options since that should be size down from what I am wearing. Hope this helps!
DeleteThanks Lisa! Love, love your blog!!
DeleteThank YOU!
DeleteThat dress fits you like a glove! It is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
I've been eyeballing this dress but it's final sale and I think a touch short for me. Your blurb about your modesty is why I think I love your style so much. Modest. Lady-like.
ReplyDeleteI'm wearing the normal length and I'm only 5'2".
DeleteThanks! Guess I'll skip...5'6" and curvy all over -->even shorter -_-
DeleteThis dress DOES fit you well--you look great! I think personal style evolution is so interesting. I was always into trends as a kid/middle schooler and then in high school I was anti-trend anything and wore baggy jeans and baggy shirts and tennis shoes and fishnets and weird stuff. Now . . . it's an adult mix. I personally think you always look pulled together and professional.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Frannie!
DeleteThis dress is so pretty, and you look so professional! Love it...and I really love the gold belt. It's the perfect addition.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
createthatoutfit.com
I love this dress on you, Lisa! It's the perfect fit and color! =)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber
I hope you have a great weekend!
Amber
Really lovely dress
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous!! Sexy in a "I'm a lady" kinda way & not a "va-va-voom" kinda way. The gold belt is a perfect addition.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could pull off va-va-voom, haha.
DeleteI love this dress on you and the belt is perfection. Totally get what you are saying though. I struggle with "too young" or " I am a mother" looks. Don't get me wrong, I am totally proud to be a mom and wouldn't change a thing, BUT I don't want to dress like a tired, old mom. I also don't want to look like I should audition for Teen mom. I am struggling with faux-leather leggings. I love them, but should a 32 yr old mother of 3 REALLY wear leather leggings, or should they remain worn by the young?
ReplyDeleteMy personal rule for determining if something is too young for me is if I find myself asking that question over something, then it probably is too young. Though I've been known to break my own rules ... ;o}
DeleteDon't worry about what other people think and just wear what you love to wear - at least I try to tell myself that as often as I can. Who cares if other people think you look too young or too sexy? You look great Lisa! The belt is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteChoo Choo
http://choochooli.blogspot.com
Wow I simply love this look on you. If you are uncomfortable you are hiding it well.
ReplyDeleteYour choice of accessories is wonderful too…and very adult.
You should let your Jessica Rabbit come out to play a bit more. You might find you like her after all.
bisous
Suzanne
Well she's not bad, she's just drawn that way.
DeleteGirl! You look AMAZING here! Seriously Lisa, this dress was made for you.
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks really great on you ;)
ReplyDeletekatattack2000.wordpress.com
Shut up :) the dress and you look fab together.
ReplyDeleteBut, I totally get you, because like you i want to be well dressed, modern and put together without having the spotlight on me.
Absolutely - I want to be noticed, but not be noticed, you know?
DeleteWow, awesome dress. I never see these amazing pieces while in store...guess I should browse online more often. Yeah peplum rocks for hiding food babies! But seriously, you look great. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Though I could wear peplums more often I think - such brilliant food baby coverup!
DeleteGirl, you look great! Rock it!!
ReplyDeleteI love this peplum dress on you and the jacket and bag make it the perfect composition. NOW.. I must say, am completed you see, to tell you that you are NOBODY's nerd, and further, I bet you could rock the right strapless dress. There, I have spoken my piece,
ReplyDeleteXX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/2013/11/mixed-media-coat-graphic-print-dress/
Aw thanks. If you can believe it, I've only ever tried one strapless dress - and it was a miserable failure!
DeleteLove, love, love this outfit! I have discovered that perk of peplum too--great for hiding a food belly :)
ReplyDeleteThis dress is fits you so well. I love the accessories you styled with it. You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Wow this dress is stunning on you!! I agree it fits your perfectly!! The gold belt is the perfect accessory for it too!!
ReplyDeleteagree w sayaka. you look stunning! I don't get to wear anything like that since I'm full time mom but maybe I can pretend to be someone!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous combination! I never would have thought of combining all these things, but it turned out really nice! So well done :)
ReplyDeleteSurely you are a wonderful young lady wearing a stilish dress!! ( and it is perfect on you... )
ReplyDeleteThat dress is beautiful on you! I know what you mean about needing to get used to that way of dressing - I smile when people compliment the clothes I'm wearing, but when they give me compliments about how the clothes make my body look I feel a little odd. I want to look good, but not in a way that's about my body more than anything else. Spotlight on my clothes is fine, spotlight on me I feel I've done something wrong, haha!
ReplyDeleteAway From The Blue
I think you worded it perfectly!
DeleteHahah you always make me laugh Lisa with your ramblings.....hey girl you are rocking this dress so well!!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Well, you absolutely cannot tell you are uncomfy - this dress is spectacular on you! I would absolutely wear everything in its entirety!
ReplyDelete-carylee
morepom.blogspot.com
You have nothing to worry about, this dress looks divine on you, and really flatters your body type!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Froso
Style Nirvana
This dress looks beautiful on you and I love the title :)
ReplyDeleteI think this style looks great on you! I love all the accessories!
ReplyDelete~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
i know what you mean about being self conscious in figure-hugging clothes! i'm the same way. this dress looks beautiful on you though and i love the gold belt!
ReplyDeletecute & little
Lisa, that dress looks amazing on you! I think you might be worried about being sexy. That's sexy done right. You're covered and it looks fabulous on you. Great look.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Your first pic is quite telling, you're a little self conscious ;) but embrace your lovely figure, Lisa, you're yowza and still ladylike, it's a beautiful look.
ReplyDeleteOh please... you are nothing like a modest dresser or conservative. You are one of the best dressers I know (and I see quite a few blogs). So glad you could shake of your past.
ReplyDeleteThis dress and the way you styled it, gives us another example of a great style. 10 out of 10.
Greetje