My friends, we're ending the year on an unexpected success: I made a dress. A for real, wearable dress.

I've had "learning to sew" on my to-do list for years, due to a generous gift from a former coworker, but having no idea how to turn on, let alone thread a sewing machine, is a big hurdle. Especially because I know me - the show and tell of someone showing me how to use the machine was always going to be far superior than reading instructions or watching a video.

So, fast forward and I manage to convince my friend to venture into DC. And after a few false starts and learning to wind a bobbin and such, I decided to do that thing you never do: jump into a project way too advanced for you (god forbid I just like, make a pillow case or something). For years I'd been watching Annika Victoria on YouTube, and the way she explains things is just so damn logical. It makes almost every project seem manageable. So I took my theory from this video on copying a dress, and decided to make a version of an Urban Outfitters dress I bought over the summer. Because while I knew that the skirt layers might be moderately difficult, the bodice shape was simple and easily transferred to paper.

And then, impressing even myself, I was SUCH AN ADULT, and made the pattern, a full mock up, and then pre-washed AND IRONED the final fabric. That I so graciously received from my sorority sister when she was in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And nearing the finish line I also decided last minute to put in a side zipper (slightly shoddily by hand, we won't discuss the work I need to do on my back stitch). I'm too impatient to wait for the season it's intended for, so please excuse the slightly formal styling. My final plan is to wear this with sandals in a super casual way, but hey, at least it admirably performs double duty?

Also, no, before you ask there aren't any pockets in this dress but let's not ask for the moon and stars ok? Double layers of gathered skirt that I cut into to insert a zipper was as much as my heart could take. The original didn't have pockets either LMAO.

I realize it's a little ridiculous to have more than one puffer jacket, but I feel like now, with the three I have, I'm done buying them (face palm). I have one "sport" puffer (Eddie Bauer) and two "fashion" puffers (H&M and Oysho) and that seems to be what I reach for. Today is a bit of a chill outfit, but looking out at the ice and snow I know that just by switching out the boots for a waterproof variety, I'd be ready for pretty much anything.

I was joking with a friend recently about how it felt like we'd suddenly gotten two seasons in one, but honestly it's how I feel. The fall explosion of leaves came late to the DC and since I'm a "Christmas as early as possible" kinda woman, the combination means I'm planning outfits that are appropriate for Fall weather but with all the Christmas cheer I can muster.

All that to say, I hope you enjoy the plaid juxtaposed against all the pretty leaves p0rn. It makes me damn happy.

Despite it being almost the end of summer (which I have mixed feelings about), this is the first time I've managed to get this dress up on the blog. I bought it a few months ago and once my brain was able to get over how "short" it felt, I ended up wearing it constantly. It's a great tunic/dress that looks great with flats, sneakers, heels - you name it. As the weather continues to cool down I can't wait to pair it with leggings/black skinny jeans and booties, plus maybe my new jacket? TBH I still love that jacket but because I have no idea what my overall style is going to be for the upcoming season I'm not 100% positive I'm gonna keep it. Maybe it's time for a mood board?

The rule of thumb for taking pictures anywhere near the Tidal Basin during Cherry Blossom season pretty much amounts to "Oh, are there no people over there? TALLY HO!"

P.S. - And I didn't wear these shoes the whole time. I love my feet too much to torment them so, lol.

Let us talk about how specific items can become more than my brain can handle. I've wanted a gray sweater for a while. After buying the G.H. Bass one in two colors I was positive that I couldn't justify another turtleneck. I had the star one right? That should be enough.

And yet, despite all the mental gymnastics, I couldn't stop wanting one. There's something about a long sleeved turtleneck that I just love, and after finally trying on everything I could find this month I came back to this one. On sale, the wrong size, but a piece I'd seriously contemplated at the beginning of the season. Thankfully the closet gods were smiling down on me, because this fit and it's super warm, and will easily serve me for years (especially as I've already been playing with layering it over some of my longer button downs). 

So there you go. No matter how many closet resolutions I try to make, or minimalist mantras I repeat to myself, sometimes I just need 3 long-sleeve turtleneck sweaters.




Fit Note: This sweater is currently sold out online (it went on sale a while ago) but I just bought this in-store so you may still be able to get your hands on it. It also runs bigger than even I had suspected and I'm wearing a size small here - other than a little lost length when I raise my arms, it fits perfectly. Weird but true.