Tale as old as time: What I Wore

Well it's finally July! I've been excited for July to arrive for quite some time and now it's here! This month is going to be action packed for me: vacation next week, the family in town the following week, and then Dr. May's book signing at the end of the month! July is also an exciting time for the boys in Queen - both RT and Dr. May celebrate their birthdays this month so I've planned special birthday posts for them!

Today's outfit has been a long time in the making. Way back in April, I spotted Alicia over at likelybadger wearing her Tonal Gingham Dress like a jumper over her Blue Book Blouse (see here). My first thought was - ooh that's kind of odd. Then my second thought was - wait that's totally adorable! I had opted to forgo the Tonal Gingham Dress in lieu of a much cheaper (but very similar) imposter from Ann Taylor Loft. And I've got several blouses with ruffles on the placket. But I was too scared to ever wear them together!

Then over the weekend, I spotted Ashley from Anthropologie Girl wearing her Oratory Dress like a jumper over a cap sleeved white tee (see here). Her post convinced me of two things: 1) I totally need to buy the Oratory Dress and 2) I should suck it up and be brave and layer my dress over a blouse.

Finally, the tipping point, Ashley over at Ashley Getting Dressed dubbed this week Disney Princess Week for her outfits. I thought it was such an adorable idea and since I, too, am a princess, I really wanted to participate. I couldn't figure out how I could incorporate Disney princess elements into an outfit without going totally literal and pulling out my Tiara Bondi Band (click here). Then I remembered Belle from Beauty and the Beast before she meets the beast. Blue dress worn as a jumper? Check. Blouse underneath? Check. I can do this, I said to myself, I can totally do this.

Dress, Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium

Blouse, Banana Republic, size Large

Swirling Villages Surplice Dress Belt, Anthropologie, size 12

Sandals, Seychelles Araxi, size 9.5

Necklace, Honora for QVC

Earrings, Kohls

Bracelet, Pandora

I felt super casual as I got ready this morning ('cause you know, the character I was basing my outfit on was running through a forest and buying loaves of bread, not working at an office). Rather than changing the outfit, I decided to really step up my jewelry. I busted out both my newly acquired Pandora bracelet and my fancy schmancy pearls from QVC. I was still a little nervous about my outfit as I left the house, but I figured, "What the heck. It's not like I'm wearing this outfit forever. It's just one day!" Now, as I look at the picture, though, I'm actually rather pleased with my creation!

Despite my happy mood in yesterday's What I Wore post, soon after yesterday went rapidly downhill. I got some pretty rotten news and was feeling like crap. I spoke to Husband on the phone before he left work so he knew I wasn't too happy. On his way home, he stopped and got me flowers and ice cream (which I ate for dinner).

Based on my mood (and because I had ice cream for dinner), I knew I wanted to run this morning. The weather was completely accomodating for the second day in a row, but I think I may have started out a bit too fast. The first 3.5 miles were rather pleasant, but the last 1.5 were a struggle. I managed to finish the run and I'm feeling much better now.

I'm very glad that vacation is right around the corner. I am in serious need of some Kathleen Beach Time! Speaking of which, does anyone have any recommendations for summer beach reading? I've already gotten a free audio book from Audible (click here to get your own free book - no strings attached!) - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes which I hope will be read with a jaunty British accent. I'm sure I'll need a few more options to get me through the week though (and two long plane rides - boo!)

Happy Thursday!