I'm back from Savannah and the trip, although emotional, actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong here, I wish that the trip had been under much different circumstances, but I was with some of my closest friends and we made the best of a difficult situation. Thank you for all of you warm thoughts and kindness and please continue to keep my friend in your prayers.

On a more superficial note, on the way back from Savannah we stopped at a local Urban Outfitters (I know I'm on a budget, but following rules was never a strong suit). The "impromptu" trip ended with me spending a bit more money than I had planned, b/c I had planned on spending NO money. But hey, at least I spent my money well and if I'm going to be poor, I'll be stylishly poor. Here's what I bought:

Round Circle Stamp Rug $14
I'll place these two rugs in the stair landing leading to the upstairs space. The stairs double back on themselves so we needed something to bring our decor "down" into the stairwell. They will also serve the purpose of getting the dirt off of our shoes before entering the living area.
Round Indigo Floral Rug $14
This dress is so comfortable and the vertical strips along the side helps lengthen the figure. Had it been horizontal all the way across, it would not have had enough shape for me. I'll throw on a cropped blazer, belt and boots for work and a simple pair of sandals for non-work time. I have a feeling I'm going to live in this dress come summer. You can't see the little pockets at the bottom in this photo, but they sealed the deal for me.
BDG Striped T Shirt Dress $39.99 (sale online) I payed $48 in the store...grrrr.
These sandals are comfortable and the off white will go with pretty much anything. The back zipper make them just a bit funky.
Twist Filigree Gladiator $38
Here are a couple of items I didn't buy but totally would if my self control hadn't kicked in:
Metallic Linen Ruffle Wallet $28
The light gray color and exposed zipper combo are a perfect nod to the 80's. Click here for more exposed zippers.
Silence and Noise Denim Zipper Skirt $68
This belt is the perfect width (any bigger and I'm uncomfortable.) The stretch makes it super easy to wear.
Knot Leather Stretch Belt $24
Ok, so I had been doing really well not impulse shopping, but I think seeing things in person makes my self control crumble. Do you have the same problem? Do you think online shopping allows for more self control or are you able to walk away regardless?

xyz, zipper up

I decided to wear a gray shift w/an exposed zipper (on the back) to work today which was an unusual choice as it's a bit shorter and I try to be as professional as possible. After my bad day yesterday, I was feeling a bit frisky this morning and figured if they sent me home, well, I'd be at home and would have a good excuse to stay there. Needless to say, no one has commented on the length, but I have had many comments on the exposed zipper, most having to do w/my dress being inside out. It's gotten to the point where after some eyes me curiously I state w/out prompt, "it's an exposed zipper, it's not inside out" and they always reply,"ooooh, b/c I was gonna say..."
One woman said, "cute jumper" to which I wanted to yell "it's a shift, a SHIFT people" but all I said was "thank you" while silently cursing her in my head. I mean who wears a jumper to work, anyway??? Last fall, exposed zippers began popping up everywhere, from skinny jeans to dresses to shoes and bags and swimsuits (yes, swimsuits). This is the only item I own w/this detail and I really like it, but I won't wear it to work again b/c explaining why it's special just makes it weird, and not special at all. Plus, there have been plenty of days where I've put things on inside out, but today is simply not one of them. Here are some other options for the office:

"Adam" $109

source: ShopBop

Skirt by Anne Klein
Source: Chic Shopper


"Marianne Dress" $109
(w/a cardigan or jacket...obviously...or I guess that depends on what type of office you work in?)

source: Quicksilver

Silence and Noise Exposed Zip Tulip Skirt $39.99

source: UO

Maybe the model below has this look on her face b/c someone asked her if her skirt was sewn incorrectly. It's kind of like the look I've had on my face, except not nearly at petulant.

Alexander Wang Zip Front Mini Skirt

source: Tongue in Chic