I've said it again and again. Balance is so important when planning outfits. If I find something at the thrift store that seems too granny or too prairie, but still gravitate towards the piece for some reason, I don't usually hesitate much before tossing it into my shopping cart.
This apron-front dress is an example of a piece I hesitated over. I loved the bib front (visible when I take off my jacket, sorry, no photos of that! oops!) and the black and white gingham, but if definitely reminded me of something you might expect from a frumpy school teacher in the country. Regardless of the frizzy-haired images that popped into my mind, I bought the dress. And even dared to wear my hair in a bun, threatening to tip the scales of fashion backwardness. My solution? A leather jacket. Works for me!
O U T F I T D E T A I L S :
- Dress: thrifted
- Jacket: Etsy
- Belt: thrifted
- Shoes: thrifted
For just a moment I thought you were referring to the sort of lack of balance that leaves me knocking my head into obstacles when I don't look after :D
Love the look - great mix!
Posted by: Stef | May 12, 2011 at 06:51 AM
I like that you teamed it with flat shoes too; they offset the dress nicely! A great look all 'round :)
Posted by: Kat | May 12, 2011 at 06:52 AM
You don't look schoolmarm at all! Good thought with the jacket.
I probably wouldn't have bothered with it myself but I DO always look like a grandma so. Also it's so hot here.
Posted by: anastasia | May 12, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I totally have that same problem but I usually don't get the item. I need you to come with me and tell me I can style it "non granny"!
xo
Erin
Posted by: Erin | May 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM
I'm a lurker more than a poster, but I thought you'd appreciate this. I'm several years older than you, and after close review, I had that same belt (or one very, very similar to it) in high school. I bought it at the Gap in 1990. I used to do this flip over thing after I buckled it, similar to what you have going on. Very early '90s.
Posted by: Gabriel Syme | May 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Definitely works for me too. Great outfit!
Posted by: Curious Constellation | May 12, 2011 at 02:50 PM
i love this on you it's so flattering and perfect with the bun
Posted by: zelina | May 12, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Jacket= genius. Love this look.
Posted by: Meg | May 12, 2011 at 07:35 PM
(also love tattoo with this outfit)
(how do you get your lipstick so perfect?!)
Posted by: Meg | May 12, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Perfect outfit, I love it!
Posted by: kelly ann | May 12, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I love that you're able to take a frumpy country school teacher dress like you say, and turn it into this...your outfit looks great! I like it moreso casue I'm guessing you got this at Village Discount Outlet being that I came across your blog via twitter and I see you're from Canton! Don't even get me started on NE Ohio's thrift stores, the Village is my absolute fave chain of thrift stores EVER! (I went to Kent State...and make it a point to visit the Cleveland/Akron area at least 1x/yr to hit up the thrift stores)
Posted by: Nickie | May 13, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Ah, this is such a great look!
Well styled x
Posted by: Cherry | May 16, 2011 at 08:34 AM
These shoes are really beautiful!! I like them with this dress
Posted by: Victoria/Justice Pirate | May 17, 2011 at 03:44 PM
That dress looks incredible on you. You are gorgeous.
Posted by: Marisa | May 19, 2011 at 09:26 PM
You have the cutest, most effortless looking style. I can't wait to try some looks.
Posted by: Janelle | May 20, 2011 at 12:48 PM