Eleven Weeks in Eclectic Elegance: Day 32

Day 32 (Monday, July 13, 2008):
I feel like a Parisian florist today, not that that's necessarily a good or bad thing but my outfit definitely possesses European character. As much impact as the scarf delivers, I once again deemed jewelry superfluous. (Hey, unless you're headed to a ball, minimize the frou-frou). Overall, I'm content with what I've put together here. I'm especially proud that I chose brown boots instead of black ones; it's so easy (read: lazy) to smack on black from head-to-toe because a) you don't have to worry about matching one piece to another, and b) black is so temptingly slimming. I resisted, though, and elected to put on something a little bit less predictable than what other city gals wear (of course, that seems to be my usual habit). As you have probably observed from most of my previous ensembles and surely from this one, is that I'm no pro at dressing for summer. If anything, I tend to overdress for the heat, mainly because I value modesty and don't want to reveal everything to the world but also because I love Fall fabrics so much: velvet, corduroy, cashmere, etc.! I wish that everyday were like an Autumn afternoon in Washington, if only for the opportunity to wear exactly what I want while still feeling entirely comfortable. Well, thankfully, late September isn't too far from now!
*Duo Maternity black velvet dress with puff sleeves; yes, I am wearing a Mommy dress. "But it looks so small!" you say, incredulously. Well, yeah. Believe it or not, not everything in the maternity department flatters exclusively expectant mothers. More stylish designers often just create pieces that will compliment big tummies instead of using stretch fabrics or making ambiguous tent fabrics like they did in the past. Now, I don't recommend buying jeans from the maternity department because will definitely contain elastic but blouses and dresses at least are usually fine for non-pregnant women, too.
*Purple paisley scarf
*Knee-high chocolate colored boots that I bought at a flea market near RFK Stadium in D.C. this past weekend for (drum roll, please) $0.50! I also found a faux snake skin jacket, a purse, and another pair of boots for the same spectacular two quarters' worth. Thief's markets may not be the most morally uplifting venues but you can't complain about their prices.