Old habits die hard

Black dress: Ann Taylor - gift from my sister
Gold sandals: Baker's - gift from my aunt
Red beaded cuff: Banana Republic - gift from my mom (remixed)
Ball earrings: Banana Republic - gift from my mom (remixed)

Back in black, y'all. This is the dress that I have been eager to wear since I got it, right before the Summer Black-Out. My sister sent it to me for my birthday, and it's FABULOUS!


It fits like a dream, looks safari inspired, and is simple enough to dress up or down quite easily. I can tell that I'm going to get some real use out of this beauty.


I wore it with these sandals because B. and I decided that I should find subtle ways to not follow the dress code this week. It's only three real work days, so I figure I should be able to do one thing each day.

Today, I decided to go with casual sandals. I don't know if these really fall into the camp of OVERLY casual sandals, but I'd classify them as such because they're flat.


I added the red and gold bracelet and the earrings, which I just love, to echo the gold of the sandals and to add another color to the outfit.


Overall, it's a good return to black. I think I've done well incorporating color into my clothes since spring began, but I'm not ready to give up on one of my favorite colors to wear. There's something about black that makes me feel very sophisticated. Plus, it's easy: I could throw anything in with this dress and it'd work.

I have to say, my sister did a fine job picking this dress out. Does she know me or what?
TQM, sister!